Bahrain Hosts Arab Tennis Elite Championship

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain

Exciting matches as top Arab players face off in Manama

The Arab Elite Tennis Championship kicked off at the General Security Officers Club courts in Isa Town. The event, running from December 18 to 22, is under the patronage of Kuwait’s ABK Bank and KGL Company. The championship features top-ranked Arab players from the ATP and ITF circuits.

Bahraini Elias Abdulredha Falls in Opening Match

Bahrain’s Elias Abdulredha faced a tough start, losing 6-1, 6-2 to Tunisia’s Moez Echargui in the first round. Despite the loss, Abdulredha highlighted the invaluable experience of competing against elite Arab players, expressing gratitude to the Bahrain Tennis Federation President, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, for granting him a wildcard entry.

“It was a strong match, and I enjoyed playing against one of the top Arab players. This tournament is a fantastic opportunity to gain more experience,” Abdulredha stated.

Big Wins for Hqubani and Dougaz

Saudi wildcard entrant Ammar Hqubani stunned Algeria’s Mohammed Makhlouf, winning 4-6, 6-2, 10-7 in a dramatic tiebreak. Defending champion Aziz Dougaz of Tunisia also advanced, overcoming a tough challenge from Jordan’s Mohammed Qutb to secure a 6-7, 6-2, 10-8 victory. Dougaz and Hqubani will meet in the quarterfinals.

Other Key Matches

Egypt’s Mohamed Safwat defeated Algeria’s Toufik Sahtli 6-1, 6-2, setting up a second-round clash with Tunisia’s Alaa Trifi, who edged Morocco’s Taha Badi in a thrilling 7-6, 6-7, 10-8 match.

Meanwhile, Tunisia’s Aziz Waqi advanced with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Karim Mabrouk and will face last year’s runner-up, Syria’s Hazem Nou, who progressed after Lebanon’s Fadi Beidan withdrew due to injury.

Organizers and Players Praise Championship Atmosphere

Participants lauded the event’s high-level organization, with Safwat emphasizing the importance of supporting Arab tennis through such initiatives. Hqubani thanked Sheikh Abdulaziz and the Arab Tennis Federation for their continued commitment to the championship, now in its fourth edition.

The Arab Elite Championship continues to strengthen bonds among Arab players, fostering a competitive yet fraternal environment that promotes excellence in the sport.