70 players join Junior Tennis Championship

Muscat, April 29
The Junior Tennis Championship 2026 got underway at the tennis courts of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher on Tuesday, with around 70 boys and girls taking part across different age categories.
Organised by the Oman Tennis Association (OTA), the championship is part of the association’s domestic competition programme aimed at increasing match exposure for young players and strengthening the pathway towards national team selection.
The tournament features several age groups, including Under-8 mixed, Under-9 boys and girls, Under-10 boys and girls, Under-12 boys and girls, Under-14 boys and girls, and Under-18 boys and girls. The competition also carries ranking points, with winners earning points that will be added to their local classification records. These rankings are expected to support the selection process for future national teams representing Oman in regional, continental and international events.
The opening day produced a series of close and competitive matches, particularly in the Under-10 category. Saeed al Marjibi began his campaign with a 7-5 win over Al Bian, while Fayadh al Hilali recorded a strong 6-2 victory against Julian Paul in the Under-9 Boys Group A event.
On Court 2, Jacoppo Blasio overcame Ahmed al Tooqi 6-4 in another Under-9 Boys Group A match, while Ali al Riyami impressed in Group B with a 6-1 win over Lakshya Agarwal.
In the Under-10 competition, Omar al Shaibani opened with a 6-1 victory against Glyas, while Savannah McCurrah edged Muhanna 7-5 in one of the tighter contests of the day.
Later, Fayadh al Hilali continued his positive start by defeating Chris Ji 7-5 in the Under-10 category. Hatim al Rahbi advanced after a walkover against Ahmed al Tooqi, while Muhannad al Najjar defeated Saeed al Marjibi 6-4 in the Under-9 Boys Group B competition.
MORE LOCAL TOURNEYS
Faisal al Balushi, Tournament Director, said the championship is part of the OTA's plan to increase local competitions and give young players more match exposure across different age groups.
'We aim to provide a competitive environment that helps boys and girls play strong matches and develop technically, physically and mentally,' he said.
Al Balushi added that the participation of around 70 players, including Omanis and resident players, reflects the growing interest in tennis and enriches the level of competition. He noted that the ranking points system will help track player progress and support future national team selection.
He also praised the cooperation of coaches, parents and players, confirming that the tournament will continue until May 6 with full technical and organisational follow-up.
OPPORTUNITY FOR JUNIORS
Nabil al Doub, coach of the national tennis team, said the championship is an important opportunity for junior players to gain experience and prepare for future events.
The presence of strong resident players, including European and Indian players, alongside Omani players, gives the juniors valuable competitive exposure, he said.
Al Doub stressed that such tournaments are especially important for the Under-10, Under-12 and Under-14 categories, as they motivate players to train harder and gain match experience.
He added that Omani players continue to show good progress in local tournaments, with several new players also joining from private clubs. After this championship, the junior players are expected to continue their preparation through a training camp in Egypt, followed by participation in Tunisia ahead of the Arab Under-16 Championship.
The championship will continue until May 6, with matches expected to intensify as players progress through the early rounds and compete for ranking points and category titles.