BTA Open tennis tournament kicks off

ALKHOBAR: The Bankers Tennis Association (BTA), an organization of Filipino tennis aficionados in the Eastern Province, successfully opened the 24th Open Tennis Doubles Tournament last week at the Algosaibi Hotel courts here.
This high profile open tennis tournament attracted various tennis clubs and teams in the Eastern Province and will continue for five weeks culminating on Oct. 19.
Willy De Lara, 2012 BTA president, in his welcome address expressed his thanks and appreciation for the support given by the local tennis community, to various sponsors numbering to around 40 this year and to his colleagues and fellow officers and members of the BTA for their untiring effort in organizing and managing this tournament.
Likewise, Rene Icasiano, BTA tournament director, has recognized the participation of the presidents of the various tennis clubs and associations in the Eastern Province for the Mixed Presidents Tennis Doubles Fiesta, which was the main event and attraction during the opening day of the tournament. This exciting battle of mixed presidents was witnessed by a large crowd of tennis players and spectators, with the brilliant tandem of PJ Briagas, FETA president, and Pete Lazaro, of Al Rushaid Tennis Club, besting the field.
This year’s tennis doubles tournament is divided into four categories: Class A for Flight 2 and 3 players, Class B for Flight 4 players, Class C for Flight 5 players and Class D for Flight 6 players and beginners. Trophies plus electronic items will be awarded to the champions and runner ups. The tournament beneficiary this year is Bantay Bata 163.
The list of sponsors for this year’s tournament include Al Suwaidi Catering, Gulf Air; Emirates Airways; Qatar Airways; Romy Novelles — Al Jazeera; Al Balha Trading Co. Ltd.; Haji Hussein Alireza and Co. Ltd.; Mehmadi Est.; Mohammed Al Beshri Est.; Saudi Readymix Concrete Co. Ltd.; Abdulatif Al Arfaj and Brothers Holding Co.; ANB Telemoney Eastern Region; Sky Freight Forwarders; Middle East Development Co.; Zahid Tractor Co. Ltd.; Bakheet Machinery Co. Ltd.; Gulf Union Cooperative Insurance Co. Ltd.; Fugro-Suhaimi Ltd.; Fil Asia Cargo Forwarders; Basic Chemical Industries; Al Alamiyah Insurance Co. Ltd.; Al Suhaimi Travel & Tourism; Dar Al Saha Dental Clinic; U Mark Sports; Al Rashed Cement — Al Khobar; Arabian Food and Dairy Products; Saudi United Cooperative Insurance; Al Rashed Goodyear; Aujan Softdrinks Industry; Ahmad Algosaibi and Brothers; Ilongo’s La Paz Batchoy Restaurant; Al Iman for Contracting and Trading; CMCI; Aqua Cool; RGP Express; Philippine Express Padala; Al Gosaibi — Pepsi Cola; May Laundry; Healthways; and some other individual sponsors.