ore than 200 players compete as Sheikh Dr Rashid Al Sharqi witnesses action-packed finale
FUJAIRAH: Tight rallies, hard-fought points and fiercely contested finals brought the second MADO Tennis Championship to an exciting conclusion in Fujairah, as more than 200 players battled for honours across a packed programme of junior, open and veterans’ competitions.
His Highness Sheikh Dr Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority and Chairman of Fujairah Tennis Club, attended the final-day action, witnessing the intensity and competitive spirit that characterised the closing matches.
His Excellency Abdul Ghafoor Behroozian, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fujairah Tennis Club, was also present as the championship reached its climax.
Held under the patronage of Fujairah Tennis Club and under the umbrella of the UAE Tennis Federation, the tournament brought together male and female players of different nationalities from across the UAE, with several matches decided after closely fought exchanges.
The championship featured boys’ Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 competitions, while girls competed in the Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 categories. The programme also included men’s and women’s open competitions and a Veterans event for players aged 35 and above.
The high level of competition was reflected in the closely matched encounters throughout the final stages, with players showing composure, determination and strong technical ability under pressure.
. Players at the heart of championship
Behroozian praised the success of the second edition, highlighting the strong turnout, quality of organisation and competitive standard across the different categories.
He also commended Sheikh Dr Rashid’s attendance and continued support for the championship, saying his presence provided encouragement to the players and organisers.
“The players are at the heart of the championship,” Behroozian said, stressing the importance of listening to their views and taking their feedback into consideration.
He said participants had responded positively to the quality of the organisation and court preparations, adding that their feedback would help identify areas for improvement.
Behroozian also praised the strong relationship between Fujairah Tennis Club and the UAE Tennis Federation, noting that the federation’s appreciation of the championship reflected its high technical and organisational standards.
He thanked the federation, officials, players, coaches and everyone involved in staging the event.
. High technical standard
Captain Laith Al Ani, chief referee of the championship, said the tournament had achieved significant technical and organisational success.
He pointed to the broad participation and closely fought matches across the various categories, saying the competition reflected the strong preparation and determination of the players.
“The championship witnessed a high technical level, exciting matches and close results,” Al Ani said.
He praised Fujairah Tennis Club for hosting the event and for its efforts to stage local and international tennis tournaments, adding that competitions of this nature provide players with valuable opportunities to gain match experience and develop their abilities.
. Participants praise organisation
Players welcomed the opportunity to compete in the second edition, praising the organisation, court preparations and competitive atmosphere.
Several participants said the closely matched encounters provided valuable experience and allowed them to test their skills against players from different emirates and backgrounds.
They also highlighted the importance of tournaments that bring together players of different ages and abilities, providing a platform to compete, gain experience and improve their game.
. Champions crowned
The championship concluded with the presentation of trophies and awards to the first- and second-place finishers in the boys’ and girls’ age groups, as well as the men’s and women’s open competitions and the Veterans event.
The closing ceremony marked the successful conclusion of a tournament that showcased the depth of tennis participation in Fujairah and the competitive quality of players across the UAE.