RIYADH, Nov. 28, 2000 – Sheraton Towers squad, after thirteen years of hard work in trying to grab the crown of the longest running amateur basketball tournament in the Kingdom, finally paid off when they defeated the powerful Al Khozama side by 84-68 in the final to capture the 13^th annual Riyadh Inter Hotels crown at the 3 in 1 Fila Millennium Basketball Challenge festival 2000 hosted by Sheraton Riyadh hotel and towers.

The final showdown was watched by the large weekend crowd who witnessed the exciting and grueling tangles of wits between the two amateur cage loop contenders.

The amazing combination of high leaping Rommel Carlos, the under goal rebound and center shooting of Rex Capati and the power play of Rene Delos Reyes, Bong Lagman with the swiftness and agility of the two guards Marvin Leyva and Allan Barcelon made paramount advantage for the new champions. When the first half ended, they were leading 38-32. They successfully sustained the good play in the second half as the stiff guarding of prolific Francis Aquino, the anchorman of Khozama by Reyes and alternately with Lagman. To some extent, this prevented Aquino from garnering score from the 3-point lane.

Likewise, the fancy dribbler Barcelon, the play maker with Leyva gave their best assists to Carlos for his boarding shots as Lagman for his low post loop-hop shots under goal were basketed. The vigor and stamina in guarding and rebounding of Capati prevented Khozama from their fast breaks. However, Aquino of Khozama still managed to score 25 points but this was not enough to slim down the lead of the new champions. The well managed coaching of Jess Lumanog with timely reshuffling of the boys and guidance from Flor Almoite from the bench, attributed to this fine victory.

During the intervals, the spectators were given chance for a free throw for three points shots and whoever basketed three consecutive 3-points won a pair of Fila Shoes while for one shot winner, a Power Horse T-shirts were given away.

The awarding followed immediately with the presentation of glittering trophies by Helmut Pluecker in the presence of Ahbet Quinto and Ramon Quema Jr. of the Power Horse. The Champion and the first runner up received trophies, dozens pairs of Fila shoes. The mythical five winners received additional wristwatch, 22 carat gold necklace with pendant and gift items. Of the individuals, each had a trophy, a pair of Fila shoes and a gift.

Tres Mondala of Marriott set a phenomenon record of winning the coveted MVP award for the fourth straight year. Carlos was adjudged rookie of the year while the mythical five were Mondala (Marriott), Leyva (Sheraton) – best guards, Aquino (Al Khozama), Ayan Dibaratum (Intercontinental) – best forwards and Capati (Sheraton) – best center. The most improved player of the league for Millennium 2000 was Javier Sanchez (Intercontinental).

The best manager award went to M. A. Ateeq (Olaya Palace hotel), who was always present at every game of his team. Lumanog won the best coach prize. Al Faisaliah got the best in uniform and the most discipline team awards. Pluecker gave away commemorative plaques to Hussein Hatata, general manager Al Khozama, Quinto, Nonoy Quema (Power Horse) and Ateeq as a gesture of appreciation for the support in making this gala a success.

The notables who graced the climax included Pluecker, Muhammed Jawed, Boesch, Muhammed Beydoun, Mrad El Khoury, Maged Berri, Kaleem Ghouri, Ahmad Eiloush, Rashid Abdulaziz, Ramzan Miah, Walid Khayat, Roger Zaknoun, Feras Jardali, Alex Limlingan, Almoite, Abdul Salam Khan (all from Sheraton). Hussein Hatata and Rey Hagoriles represented Khozama.

The Riyadh Inter hotels Sports Committee aired words of thanks for Garawi - general manager of Sodas Sports, Franz J. Kirspel, Qunito, Nonoy Quema (Power Horse energy drink), Ammar Issa, Sebastian Thomas (Pepsi Cola), all members hotels committee, FCBR for their officiating the league for the last thirteen years, Dan De Jesus-BAR president and his associates, Francis Maca and Puno Advisory.

With the Inter hotel competition coming to end, the fans will now continue to enjoy the action in other ongoing divisions, a part of 3-in-1 Fila Millennium Basketball Challenge 2000 which is being sponsored by Sodas Sports – the sole distributor of Fila sportswear in the Kingdom courtesy of Mumen Al Garawi with support coming from Pepsi Cola, Philippine Airlines and Power Horse Energy Drink. It is organized by Riyadh Inter-hotels Sports Committee.