KUWAIT CITY, Jan 26: The Filipino Tennis Association of Kuwait (FTAK) in collaboration with Kuwait Oil Company Tennis Club (KOCTC) kicked off the KOCTC/FTAK 20th Spring Invitational Tennis Team Tournament and Elimination Round Friday at the KOCTC Tennis Club in Ahmadi. After the holidays break, FTAK/KOCTC tennis enthusiasts were back to the tennis courts to compete in the season’s tournament. Six teams were formed namely, KOC, Al Yasra Food, KWTSTEEL/Diplomat, together with the top three teams of the Winter 2011 tournament, Suzuki Marine, Steelers Team (Finalist) and the defending champion Top Spinners team. A short ceremony chaired by outgoing FTAK2011 President Rox Bugas was held before the start of the games with current President Tony Dezeda welcoming all participants and guests.

He enumerated his programs for the year 2012 mentioning a list of the socio-civic contributions FTAK has made to some communities. He mentioned the E-TV Adopt-a-School-Program where FTAK had sponsored one and also the humble contribution that FTAK made donating relief items to the typhoon Sendong victims in the Philippines. KOCTC Chairman Fahad Al-Qattan, also gave his welcome address with the representative of Suzuki Marine also giving his short message.
Shulan Primavera, Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait was on hand to deliver an inspiring speech, mentioning his long acquaintance and friendship with FTAK among other things after which he then formally opened the tournament by doing the ceremonial ball service.
Drawing of lots for the competition’s 1st match was done. At court #1, the defending champion Top Spinners team had to slug it out with the finalist Steelers team.
At court #2, Al Yasra Food team battle KOC team and at court #4, Kuwait-Steel/Diplomat team play against the Suzuki Marine.

All the participating players were full of energy and enthusiasm as everybody was eager to sweat it out and shake off the rusts after the long holidays break. All points, games and matches were tightly fought to determine who will be the first day winners. As the dust settled at the end of the day, teams Top Spinners, KOC and Suzuki Marine emerged as winners.
There were three matches played on the opening day and in the first clashes of the season, defending champions Top Spinners beat Steelers 74-55 while KOC thrashed Al-Yasra Food 93-50. In the last match Suzuki Marine edged KWTSTEEL/Diplomats 78-65 to end the day.
It was also a picnic as players together with their families had their food and lunch around the tennis court with lots of thanks going to the KOCTC Chairman and members for the accommodation.
Sponsorship for the event and the refreshments were made possible by McDonalds-Fahaheel Branch who provided the court decorations and offered refreshments.
The main sponsors were Suzuki Marine, UNISTEEL Kuwait and Al Yasra Food (Sadia Brand) who also provided hot snacks in addition to being one of the tournament sponsors.
Next schedule of matches will be played on Friday January 27, 2012. Games start at 10:00 am.