MUSCAT: Oman Club were crowned champions in the first edition of Oman Tennis Association (OTA) All-Club Tennis Championship recently. Bahla Club finished runners-up and Salalah claimed the third spot in the championship which concluded at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex tennis courts on December 2.
The three-day championship was competed by eight clubs after Sohar Club and Jaalan Club pulled out before start of the tournament.
The Oman Club beat Bahla in the final 2-0 after national team players Munir al Rawahi and Younis al Rawahi posted dominant wins over their Bahla opponents in the singles matches. Munir beat Bahla's Sandy 6-2, 6-4 while his brother Younis thrashed Mudar Mustafa 6-0, 6-0 as Oman Club clinched the title.
Salalah Club finished third after edging Nizwa 2-1 in the third-place play-off. Salalah's Shrikant defeated Nizwa's Wael al Barwani 9/2 to put his team 1-0 up. Nizwa's Warith al Shaibani made it 1-1 after beating Salalah's Imad al Sulaimani 9-6. In the deciding doubles match, Salalah duo of Abdullah al Fadil and Shrikant prevailed over a fighting Nizwa pair of Abdullah al Yahyai and Warith al Shaibani 5-10, 10-5, 10-6.
In the semifinals, Bahla beat Salalah 2-1. In the opening singles, Bahla's Sandy beat Salalah's Shrikant 6-0, 6-2. In the second singles, Salalah's Imad al Sulaimani made it 1-1 after edging Bahla's Mudar Mustafa 9-7 (7-1), 3-6, 10-6. However, Bahla claimed the deciding doubles rubber with Antar and Sandy thrashing Salalah duo of Shrikant and Saeed al Sulaimani 6-0, 6-0.
In the second semifinal, Oman Club prevailed over Nizwa Club 3-0. In the first singles, Oman Club's Oshi beat Nizwa's Wael al Barwani 6-1, 6-2. In the second singles, Oman Club's Younis al Rawahi beat Nizwa's Abdullah al Yahyai 6-2, 6-0. In the doubles match, Munir al Rawahi and Saeed al Hashimi edged out Abdullah al Yahyai and Warith al Shaibani 4-6, 6-3 (7-10).
GOOD INITIATIVE
OTA Chairman Mutasim bin Hamoud al Zadjali presided over the concluding ceremony in presence of OTA officials and the club representatives.
"We are happy with this good gathering of clubs in this tournament, through which the federation sought to gather players and involve clubs in the competitions organised by the OTA from time to time. We expect the number of clubs to increase in upcoming tournaments," the OTA chief said.
Mutasim al Zadjali added that such tournaments contribute to spreading the game and making presence among the clubs. "We strived during the past period to spread the game among the clubs through some programmes and activities, including mini-tennis, and there were many outcomes at that time. We hope that this tournament will contribute to boost the game and that the number of players will increase."
Jihad bin Abdullah al Sheikh, Vice-Chairman of Oman Club, expressed satisfaction in winning the title.
"We are happy that the club’s players won the title of this tournament, which is the first of its kind in tennis in Oman. The club’s players presented a good level since the start of the tournament and reached the final match. Everyone enjoyed the final match and all the clubs benefited from this participation. More clubs need to take up the game and we expect that it will spread in the coming years if clubs continue to participate in such competitions."
Oman Club's Younis al Rawahi expressed his happiness at winning the club championship title, pointing out that the tournament was successful and the level of organisation was good in the opening edition.
"We were keen to participate in this tournament because its success and such tournaments contribute to developing the level of players as well as creating a good competitive atmosphere between the clubs and their players."
Younis' brother Munir al Rawahi said that everyone enjoyed and benefited from the tournament during its three days.
"The tournament was a great opportunity for us as players as there were no tennis tournaments throughout the past period, which affected the technical level of the tournament and the players. Such tournaments contribute greatly to technical benefit, and we hope such tournaments continue from time to time."
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