MUSCAT, FEB 13
Aisha al Busaidy was crowned under-18 girls champion of the Oman Open Tennis Championship after a well-deserved 6-1, 6-3 victory over Areen al Azkawi in the final at the main court of the Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex in Bausher on Wednesday.
Al Busaidy delivered a dominant performance from the start, securing the first set 6-1 with powerful strokes and precise serves. Despite Al Azkawi’s efforts to mount a comeback in the second set, Al Busaidy’s experience and composure in crucial moments gave her the edge, closing the match with a 6-3 victory to claim the championship title.
Sergay Bershin, Oman national team coach, shared his thoughts on the under-18 girls final. He highlighted the significance of the match for young players like Areen al Azkawi, who, despite being only 14, competed in an older age category. "She lost the final, but it's a valuable experience for her development. Playing against older and more experienced players will help her grow," he said.
Speaking about the tournament, coach Bershin emphasised the importance of hosting such events. "It's always great to organise tournaments, not just the Oman Open but any competition that contributes to the growth of the tennis community. These events engage not only professional players but also amateurs and even beginners who are trying to get into the sport. As long as people are engaged in sports, whether it's tennis or anything else, it's a positive step. Our role is to encourage and motivate both kids and adults to stay active."
Bershin also discussed the national team’s training efforts, particularly for the Under-14 and Under-18 girls. "We're trying our best to provide them with opportunities to play in multiple tournaments, not just in Oman but internationally. Competing abroad is crucial for their development. We ensure that our training schedule is rigorous, with five to six sessions per week. This is possible thanks to the support from the Oman Tennis Association and the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Culture, who are providing the necessary resources. I hope this momentum continues and only gets better," he added.
Regarding grassroots development, coach Bershin revealed the team's strategy to promote tennis in schools and public spaces. "We're working closely with private schools, and we've also organised an open day at the Grand Mall as part of Sports Day. During this tournament, with the help of our sponsors, we provided kids with equipment from the Australian Open, one of the biggest Grand Slam tournaments. Around 65 children participated in the event, and some have shown interest in joining the national team. However, selection depends on age criteria, as we focus on kids starting from as young as five to eight years. We hope to host more tournaments like this because they are essential for the future of tennis in Oman," he concluded.
Pics by Abdulwahid Al Hamadani
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