Latest news with #OmanTennisAssociation
Observer
6 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
OTA launches intensive summer training in Egypt
MUSCAT: As part of the Oman Tennis Association's (OTA) efforts to prepare players for international competitions and enhance their technical levels, 14 male and female players are currently participating in a summer training camp in the Arab Republic of Egypt. This camp is part of the association's comprehensive preparation program, which targets various age groups. The camp will be conducted in two phases. The first phase runs from July 26 to August 15, while the second phase will be held from August 2 to 15. The training sessions are hosted at the 'Shamas Tennis Club Academy,' which is recognised as one of the top training institutions in the region. This camp falls under the association's broader strategy, led by President Mutasim al Zadjali, to develop and refine the skills of national team players, with the goal of enabling them to compete effectively in regional and international tournaments and increase their continental and global ranking points. The first phase includes players from the Under-14 and Under-18 categories. The Under-14 roster features Azan al Busaidy, Moataz al Mazrouei, Abdulrahman al Rahbi, Talia al Busaidy, Areen al Azkawi, and Salma al Riyami. This group is specifically preparing for the Arab Tennis Championship, which will take place in Tunisia from August 16 to 24, 2025. In the Under-18 category, participants include Waleed al Hashmi and Aisha al Busaidy. The delegation is overseen by coach Sarah al Balushi from the Oman Tennis Association (OTA). The second phase includes players in the Under-10 and Under-12 categories: Omar al Shaibani, Hatem al Rahbi, Hood al Hashmi, Mundhir al Amri, Imad al Rahbi, and Reema al Hashmi. The training programme at the Shamas Tennis Club Academy includes both morning and evening sessions, five days a week (Sunday through Thursday). It focuses on technical, physical, and mental development, including skill drills, physical fitness, cognitive exercises, friendly matches, and nutrition sessions under expert supervision. Mundhir al Barwani, Secretary-General of the Oman Tennis Association (OTA), stated that the association has consistently organised such training camps annually due to their significant role in enhancing players' technical abilities and preparing them to represent the national teams effectively. He emphasised that age-group players, especially those under 14, benefit from these preparatory programmes. He noted that the current camp serves as preparation for the upcoming Arab Championship in Tunisia and confirmed that the remaining players will also have opportunities to compete in upcoming regional and international events. Al Barwani also highlighted the association's commitment to developing national team players by increasing their international exposure and organising high-quality training camps that help refine their talents. He added that Omani teams have participated in several international tournaments across various age groups recently and are preparing for upcoming challenges. He concluded by expressing the association's intention to host more tournaments, building on the successful organisation of several events in past years.
Observer
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman's U-14 Tennis Team secures 3 victories in Bahrain
MUSCAT: Oman's U-14 national tennis team concluded its participation in the preliminary qualifiers for the International Junior Championship held in Bahrain amid an atmosphere of intense competition. The team secured three victories, contributing to the players' international ranking points. The team began its campaign with a valuable win against the UAE but suffered a setback in the second match against Kyrgyzstan, the fifth-seeded team, with a 3-0 defeat. Despite a strong performance, Azzan al Busaidy lost a two-hour match against Kazakbayev, ending 7-5, 6-4 in favour of the latter. Moataz al Mazrouei also fell to player Bekay, 6-1, 6-3. In the doubles competition, the Omani pair couldn't secure a win, losing 6-2, 6-2, ultimately missing the chance to qualify for the quarterfinals. In the placement matches, Oman faced Turkmenistan, suffering a 3-0 loss. Azzan al Busaidy was defeated by Ali 6-2, 6-2, while Moataz al Mazrouei lost to Suleiman by the same score. The doubles match ended 4-2, 4-2 in favour of Turkmenistan. However, the Omani team bounced back with a crucial 2-1 victory over Yemen. Azzan Al Busaidy lost his match against Yousef Omar 6-2, 3-6, (9-11), but Moataz al Mazrouei secured a win over Ahmed Said 6-3, 6-3. In their final match, Oman delivered an impressive performance against Jordan, winning 2-0. Azzan al Busaidy defeated Rayan Kowar 6-2, 6-1, while Moataz al Mazrouei showcased a strong display, winning against Omar Istanbul 6-1, 6-1. At the tournament's conclusion, Hong Kong claimed the championship title after defeating Indonesia 2-0, securing both teams a place in the final qualifiers for the Junior World Cup. Ahmed al Balushi, the team's delegation manager, emphasised the significance of such tournaments in enhancing players' technical skills and boosting their international rankings. He noted that the competition, which featured 21 teams, was highly competitive and included opponents with strong international and Asian rankings, providing Omani players with valuable experience and confidence. He added that the Oman Tennis Association is committed to participating in tournaments under the International and Asian Tennis Federations, as well as regional championships, to further refine the players' skills and competitiveness. National team coach Sofiane highlighted that the tournament was an important and beneficial experience for the players, allowing them to compete against opponents of various levels, which helps in their development. "Despite some challenges, such as the injury of Abdulrahman al Rahbi, the players delivered strong performances and demonstrated a high level of competitiveness," Sofiane said. "We secured three victories, and we could have achieved even better results if not for minor mistakes, which we will work on correcting in the future. What pleased me the most was the fighting spirit displayed by the players, especially in difficult matches." Regarding the importance of the tournament, the coach explained that competing in such events provides players with a great opportunity to face internationally and regionally ranked opponents, which enhances their confidence and playing style. Sofiane concluded, "We will evaluate our performance, correct our mistakes, and aim for better results and deeper progress in upcoming tournaments."
Observer
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Consistant Aisha defeats Areen to claim Oman Open U18 Girls title
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
Observer
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman Open Tennis Championship enters thrilling final rounds
MUSCAT: The final rounds of the Oman Open Tennis Championship resume on Saturday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, featuring broad participation of male and female players across various age categories. This follows intense competition in the main rounds over the past few days. The tournament returns after a three-day break, with expectations of decisive and thrilling matches. Saturday's matches will feature the semifinals in the Under-12 and Under-18 boys' categories, as well as the veterans' competitions for the Over-55 and Over-65 categories. Additionally, the quarterfinals for the men's singles and professional singles categories will take place. Meanwhile, the Under-18 girls' final has been scheduled for next Tuesday after national team players Arin al Azkawi and Aisha al Busaidy secured their spots in the final match. A number of highly competitive matches are scheduled for Saturday. In the professional singles category, Abdullah al Barwani will face Samrat, while Madani al Bakri will compete against Nasser al Rashid in the Over-65 singles category, alongside a match between Imran Khan and Draga in the same division. In the women's singles category, Aisha al Busaidy will go head-to-head against Anska. One of the tournament's standout moments last week was Younis al Rawahi's thrilling victory over eighth-seeded Nigerian player Achi with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 12-10. Al Rawahi, despite a long absence from the courts, delivered an impressive performance, proving his strong comeback. Additionally, Munir al Rawahi defeated Abdullah al Hayai 6-1, 6-0 in the professional men's singles category, while Rayan al Busaidy lost to top-seeded player Joklina 6-1, 6-0 in the women's category. Commenting on the progress of the tournament, Faisal al Balushi, the tournament director, highlighted the high technical level of the competition, especially in the men's category, and anticipated even more excitement in the upcoming rounds. He noted the tournament's broad participation from various nationalities and age groups, emphasising that its main goal is to promote competitive sportsmanship and bring tennis players together in one venue. Additionally, it provides national team players with valuable exposure and experience ahead of future international competitions. Al Balushi also pointed out that the championship serves as a golden opportunity for tennis enthusiasts in the Sultanate of Oman to showcase their skills. Players were allocated through a competitive draw, and he expressed his gratitude to the Oman Tennis Association's board for entrusting them with organising this significant event. He affirmed that the successful organisation of the tournament serves as great motivation to enhance future events and contributes to the development of national administrative and technical expertise in the sport of tennis.
Observer
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Third round TIES witness Intense competition
MUSCAT, JAN 29 The third round of the Oman Open Tennis Championship, organised by the Oman Tennis Association, witnessed thrilling and competitive matches across various categories. In the Under-12 category, Dhruv Hamilai triumphed over Imad al Rahbi with a 9-2 win, while Adiraj Singh claimed victory over Arvin Adidev by 9-3. In Under-18, Azzan al Busaidy continued his impressive performance by defeating Anirudh John 6-0, 6-1. Meanwhile, Manthom Brahman secured a win against Aarush Pandi 6-4, 6-1 and Moataz al Mazroui triumphed over Vihaan Sawant 6-1, 6-1. In the men's section, Abdullah al Barwani showcased an outstanding level of play, defeating Ayman al Riyami 6-2, 6-2. One of the most thrilling encounters was between Nasser al Rashidi and Ahmed al Hinai, with Al Rashidi emerging victorious after a marathon match, winning 6-4, 4-6, 13-11. In another match, Laurent Frago secured a 6-2, 6-1 win over Vishal Mirani. SIGNIFICANT EVENT Younis al Rawahi, who is competing in the men's category, expressed his delight at the return of the Oman Open Tennis Championship, emphasising that it is a significant sporting event for all tennis enthusiasts in the Sultanate. He highlighted how the championship brings together players of different categories and skill levels in an ideal competitive environment that enhances their technical and physical development. Al Rawahi stated, "this tournament is not just a sporting competition; it is a perfect opportunity to test our abilities and refine our skills through competing against diverse opponents. We are always eager to participate whenever we get the chance because such tournaments help us improve our performance and prepare for future challenges." He added, "the return of the championship reflects the Oman Tennis Association's commitment to supporting this sport and providing competitive platforms that contribute to the development of players. I consider this tournament a key fixture in my annual sports calendar due to the technical and physical benefits it offers. The intense matches enhance tactical performance and improve the ability to handle pressure during games." The championship will continue until February 20 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex tennis courts in Bausher, with the participation of more than 200 male and female players.
