RIYADH, Sept. 12, 2000 – The defending champion Al Abdullatif Group in his opening match beat Al Obeikan by 100-66 as a total of eighteen teams began action in the annual Inter company basketball tournament for the coveted Saudi Ceramics trophy.
Four encounters were decided on the first day at the Saudi Ceramic Company (SCC) courts. Arnel Camit and Edgar were the main stars in Abdullatif easy victory against their opponents. In the second clash, host SCC went down fighting to Al Manhal with 71-64 margin. With his high individual score of 29, Ruben Padua was unbeatable for the victorious side.
Al Othaim Family (L’Asurde) defeated Saudi Gas in the third showdown of the night by 92-83. Here, Peng Berboso ended with his highest score of 25. Despite good showing by Art Bansil, the Saudi Gas failed to push through.
In the last action of the night, ABB, thanks to Nabel Musa and Nestor Cequena ripped apart the defense of MESC in an one sided affair. The former side won 88-56.
Prior to the action, the opening ceremony began with the parade and presentation of the participating teams in their colorful uniforms. The occasion was graced by the officials of the participating companies, SCC general manager Suleiman Al Khelaifi and the energetic Omar Yassin, the SCC sports coordinator. At the end of the march past, Arabian Tile Company Limited (ARTIC) team was adjudged the best in uniform, wearing blue gala sports outfit with matching kid mascots.
This annual event is continuing successfully for the past many years, thanks to the SCC objective of promoting sports activities and better camaraderie in the Second Industrial City. Through the years, the company has lived up to its vision that men with healthy body and healthy mind yield a higher productivity. Today, the Inter company event is the most popular of its class in the industrial area. Co-supporting the meet this year are NCMS and Power Horse Energy Drink.
A total of eighteen companies are battling it out for the top honors are Saudi Gas Cylinder Factory (SGCF), Saudi Pre-Industrial Pipes Industries (SPPI), Middle East Specialized Cables Factory (MESC), Asea Brown Bovery (ABB), Arabian Tile Company Limited (ARTIC), Al Othaim Family (L’Azurde Group), Al Sharq Plastic Industries, Falcon Industries Company Limited, Al Abdullatif Group, United Wood Product Company (Al Muhaidib Group), Al Manhal, Al Rajhi and Sons Company (Watania Plastic), Packaging Product Factory (ADWAN), Al Obeikan Company, Saudi Lighting Company, Saudi Mechanical Industries Company, JASH Technical Services Limited and host Saudi Ceramics All Stars.

Summarized Scores:

Al Abdullatif Group (100) – Arnel Camit 19, Edgar Verson 16, Francis Arellano 10, Rommel Abadilla 10, Rannie Ramirez 10, Roger Pinto 9, Bert Mauri 6, Aries Argana 5, Rodel Dagupion 4, Hector Monico 4, Marlon Anghel 4, Dave Davu 3 beat Al Obeikan (66) – Rodel Jarabata 21, Tony Trajano 13, Geofrey Olivar 12, Edwin Dorido 10, Bhong Rivera 4, Cocoy Jose 2, Doodz Iligan 2, Dhaboy Margallo 2.

Al Manhal (71) – Ruben Padua 29, Papa Reyes 10, Joe Aguilar 8, Rhey Reyes 7, Rolly Talaban 6, Fred Balbuena 5, Delfin Canteros 4, Dennis Coladilla 2 beat Saudi

Ceramics All Stars (64) – Rene Litaua 20, Mike Capuno 12, Joseph Carlos 7, Ronnie Siodina 7, Art Delos Reyes 6, Danny Mendoza 5, Alexis Funelas 4, Manny Cas 2, Brandon Benaza 1.

L’Azurde Group (92) – Peng Berboso 25, Arnel Ativo 20, Elias Faustino 14, Choy Magalona 13, Erwin Mancera 9, Ronald Cano 5, Mike Mariano 5, Randy Gonzales 1 beat Saudi Gas (83) – Art Bansil 24, Aris Palmero 22, Abe Manaloto 17, Eddie De Guzman 7, Michael Obeda 6, Jimmy Vitug 4, Arnel Palmero 2, Eddie Fernandez 1.