Roberto Rodriguez and Martin Nochese defeated Jonathan Green and Colin Marshall, while Javier Garcia Lopez and Sergio Icardo Alcorisa got the walkover to reach quarter-finals of the 100-point classification category of the Padel Championship at the 10th edition of the NAS Sports Tournament on Saturday.
Held under the theme ‘Limitless Abilities’ and organized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the NAS Sports Tournament is the biggest event of its kind in terms of participation and prize money, and has been held every year in the Holy Month of Ramadan since 2013 at the iconic Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.
Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Association, graced the tournament and watched the matches.
Lopez and Alcorisa advanced following the withdrawal of duo Hamad Al Janahi and Mhar Joseph.
Hamad Al-Mazmi and Muhammad Al-Qasim overcame Saud Al-Arif and Nasser Al-Balushi 6-4, 4-6, 10-5 to secure spots in the next round of the competition.
Francisco Rodriguez and Ignacio Gonzalez cruised into the next round following a 6-1, 6-2 win over Mohammed Al Shamsi and Daniel Blanco.
Abdullah Abdulaziz and Faris Al Janahi battled past Salem Al Houli and Andres Perez, 6-2, 4-6, 13-11.
Ali Al Aref and Victor Mina reached the quarter-finals after brushing aside Ranjan Pradeep and Rabih Al-Maristani, 6-0, 6-1.
In other matches, Gonzalo Torres and Fabrizio Jorio defeated Muammar Amin and Nasser Hamouda, 6-1, 6-2; Issa Al Marzouqi and Ahmed Mustafa beat Omair Al-Zarouni and Hamid Bin Lahej, 6-1, 6-4.
The Emirati and Expatriate Open category also witnessed some thrilling clashes.
Javier Lopez and Abdullah Abdulaziz were the first to reach the quarter-finals as they defeated Saeed Al Marri and Benjamin Palm 6-2, 6-2. Majid Al Janahi and Sebastiao Maria stormed into the quarter-finals after sweeping aside, Abdul Rahman Samir and Hamad Al Mazrouei 6-0, 6-0.
Roberto Rodriguez and Fares Al Janahi defeated Salem Al Houli and Andres Perez, 6-1, 6-2 while
Sergio Alcorisa and Abdulla Ahmad beat Muammar Amin and Nasr Al Neyadi, 6-1, 6-0.
In other matches, Hamad Al Janahi and Javier Mason defeated Ali Al-Arif and Victor Mena, 6-4, 6-4; Mohammed Al Shamsi and Daniel Blanco beat Hamad Bin Samnouh and Francisco Rodriguez, 6-3, 6-4.
The two-day archery competition gets underway with the preliminary rounds.
Participants will compete in five categories, including men's compound, bow (18 years and older), bow competition for 14–17-year-olds, and women's compound and bow.
Dr. Saeed Musabeh Al Kaabi, president of the UAE Archery Federation, stated that the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has given a big boost to supporting the culture of practicing sports activities and providing a platform for players to sharpen their skills.
He credited His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, for the success of NAS Sports Tournament.
'Sheikh Hamdan played a significant and significant role in promoting the values supporting the practice of sports activities in Ramadan, spreading the atmosphere of happiness and positivity, and inspiring community members to practice various sports activities. The NAS Sports Tournament has become a milestone in the history of Ramadan activities.
'The huge participation from all segments of society at the NAS Sports Tournament annually establishes the sustainability of the trends that support its success and development, and the working committees' efforts in establishing arrangements for its success in accordance with best practices greatly raise the indicators of its success and excellence,' the UAE Archery Federation president added.
Dr. Kaabi said the players participation in the archery competition at the NAS Sports Tournament is motivated by a strong belief in the value and significance of such large tournaments for enhancing players' capabilities, in line with the federation's mission to ensure athletes remain ready to face challenges at local and international competitions.
The fencing competition is scheduled for March 28–29, and the cycling competition will take place on March 30–31 at Meydan Road and various locations in Mohammed Bin Rashid City.
The volleyball competition will begin on April 1. A wheelchair basketball competition will take place from April 1 to April 9 at the Dubai Club for People of Determination.
The running competition is slated for April 7 at the Meydan Track.
