RIYADH, July 18, 2000 – In the first match-up in the exclusive ladies
category A of the HITTT tennis tournament, played at the King Fahad National Guard
hospital recreation center, Fitness team overwhelmed Friendship by 40-18 score and with
this victory they have now established themselves as a strong contender for the title here
in this double-round robin format amongst the top three teams.
As there are few players at the top to form teams representing the hospitals, the
organizers of HITTT, the exclusive event for the city hospitals, have created teams based
on selection among the higher category players. These are Fitness, Friendship and Fun to
underscore the lofty goals of the tourney, which are physical fitness, camaraderie and
enjoyment. This has given the top ranked female players the chance to compete.
Of the action, Helen Simolde of the Fitness squad, currently ranked best amongst her
class, has been crowned the champion of the Ladies International Tennis tournament held
last January. She defeated Day Ege, a popular instructor at the KFSH by 8-3. The loser
quickly built an early lead against the victor who committed errors early in the game.
However, she settled down, began peppering the rival with accurate groundstrokes and drop
shots to emerge victorious.
Also, at the adjacent court, the pair of Myriel Quilacio and Betsy Costumbrado engaged
Jean Borjal and Cecille Bago in long rallies. The former proved to be more consistent and
came through with an identical score. Agnes Misola used her strong forehand to beat Kathy
Malayas, the Friendship captain 8-2. The clash was exciting as both are upcoming and
promising players to watch.
Next, the pair of Quilacio and Cel Arrastia fought patiently to overpower a strong
challenge from Roscelle Torres and Juliet Bagasala, winning in the end by 8-6. In the last
encounter, Vivienne Sabello and Heidi Agustin showed strong form in winning 8-4 over Emmy
Rodriguez and Mitos Arellano. Having just returned from leave from Philippine, Rodriguez
was unable to shake off an apparent jet lag.
In the Class C2 battle, the teams from KFSH provided an appreciative audience a surprise
and exciting finish. KFSH One, led by its non-playing captain Villa Lector, takes pride in
having two young talented sisters, both students of Nour Al Maaref International School.
They fought with flourish against the heavily favorite KFSH 2, guided by Au Gutierrez.
Malou Carido and Tess Rapadas of KFSH 2 overwhelmed the duo of Nanette Maynes and Marcy
Andaya 8-2. The lead was increased further with another 8-6 win by Agatha Cambridge over
the 13-years old Maica Qulacio.
KFSH 1 bounced back in the third and the fourth matches with back to back wins. Beth who
is in third year high school and Sol Marasigan (sister to Carido of the other team) played
well as partners in overcoming Vicky Aquino and Flor Santos 8-6. Then in the next, Mhel
Camarse and assistant team captain Bernadette Vilan had to go through a tie-breaker to
finally clinch their match with a score of 12-10.
In the last action of the day, Nanette Maynes of defeated Tess Rapadas 8-6 but it was not
enough to turn the tide in their team’s favor as KFSH 2 prevailed 35-32 in the end.
The HITTT 2000 is being sponsored by Power Horse Energy Drink, Coca-Cola, Sarawat
Superstore and Anseri Cargo. |
