By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: The 2nd Arab Masters Tennis Tournament was up to expectations, exciting and competitive. Tunisians Aziz Dougaz and Iskandar Al-Mansouri defeated their Jordanian opponents Abdullah Shelbayeh and Mousa Al-Kotop 6/3 - 6/3 in the final match of the doubles. Shelbayeh and Benjamin Hassan from Lebanon qualified for the final singles match to be played on Wednesday at Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex.

Morocco's team of Yassine Dlimi and Walid Ahouda took third place by default as Egyptians Kareem Mohammad and Mohammad Safwat withdrew due to the injury of Safwat before the start of the match. As for the singles competitions, third Seed Benjamin from Lebanon defeated Dlimi 6/1 - 7/6 in a strong showing. Shelbayeh defeated second ranked Dougaz 4/6-6/2-6/3. The final match was postponed until tomorrow (Wednesday) due to bad weather and will be played at 6:00 pm at Sheikh Jaber Complex.

Arab Masters Tournament 'competitive'
Areej Al-Mutabaqani<br>
Areej Al-Mutabaqani
Aziz Dougaz and Abdallah Shelbayeh with the chair umpire<br>
Aziz Dougaz and Abdallah Shelbayeh with the chair umpire

President of Saudi Tennis Federation Areej Al-Mutabaqani told Journalists the championship in both singles and doubles was of a high caliber and standard due to the participation of the best Arab players, adding that organization of the entire event was excellent. She said participation of several Gulf players will contribute to the improvement of their technical levels and their ranking, adding that it is now necessary to organize bigger events in the region. Mutabbaqani said Arab women tennis is on the rise lately as more women are playing at an early age.

Vice President of Arab Tennis Federation Raymond Kattoura confirmed ATF supports all Arab players and the development of their technical and physical abilities through the organization of many Arab championships and including them in international events.  Kattoura expressed appreciation of Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex, adding "it is considered the best specialized facility in the Middle East and this will allow for organizing the best international tournaments in the future."