Doha: Around 300 players are vying for top honours as the Eighth edition of Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) and InterContinental Doha Open tournament 2015, which kicked-started here at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and InterContinental Doha Hotel.
The event, one of the most prestigious event held in Doha, will see the players competing in 22 different categories including Boys Singles U18, 14, 12, 10, 9 and 8, Girls Singles U18, 14, 12, 10, 9 and 8 years, Boys Doubles U18, 14 and 12 in addition to Women Singles, Men Singles, Women Doubles, Men Doubles, Men Veterans and Mixed Doubles.
“This event is one of the most important local tennis tournaments held here in Qatar since it provides a good opportunity to all tennis players from different nationalities to take part and compete to win the tournament’s titles and prizes,” Sultan Khalfan, the Tournament Director said.
“We at Qatar Tennis Federation are pleased with this successful collaboration with InterContinental Doha Hotel and so proud to see the number of the participants increasing year after year. This is definitely a motivation to continue working to attract more participants and achieve a higher level of Success,” added the former Davis Cup player.
The InterContinental Doha Hotel aims to support the QTF in enhancing the level of tennis in the country — spreading the game and expanding the base of tennis players.
“At InterContinental Doha we are committed to the development of sports in Qatar; we have demonstrated this over the years by organizing and sponsoring many sporting events and competitions in our host community,” said Cyril Mouawad, Executive Assistant Manager of the InterContinental Doha.
“We are delighted to co-organise such an important event, and honoured to give the opportunity to young tennis players to demonstrate their skills and become potential future pros”, he added.
Regarding the participation of our National Team players, Khalfan confirmed that this event is a good opportunity for them to exchange experience with other players coming from different tennis schools which can enhance their readiness for the upcoming international and regional events.
The QTF will distribute QR 50,000 as prize money for the winners. The InterContinental Doha will give out memberships, gift vouchers and cash vouchers worth QR 100,000.
The event will be played on 11 courts at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and on two courts at InterContinental Doha Hotel.
This event is considered as the kick off for the new season and is followed by several GCC Tournaments and Asian events.
The tournament is part of the QTF’s strategy and vision to enhance the level of tennis in Qatar.
Last year, Khalfan won the Men’s Doubles and the Mixed Doubles to register a double at the event.
Khalfan partnering with Amir Bayoumi overcame the challenge of Cliff Acasso and Rauel Robilar in straight sets.
In the Mixed doubles. Khalfan and Lana Malakhov defeated Mubaraka Nuaimi and Amer Al Bayoumy to emerge on top.
The Peninsula
