KUWAIT: Kuwait Ninth Tennis Open Tournament came to conclusion Sunday under the patronage of President of Arab and Kuwait Tennis Federations, Honorary President of Asian Tennis Federation Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The tournament which began March 4 saw around 280 players of various ages and nationalities participated. Prizes and medals were distributed during the closing ceremony by Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber, Honorary President of Arab Tennis Federation Sami Al-Ibrahim, Behbehani, Burgan Bank Chairman Majid Al-Ajeel, Chairman of Tamdeen Group Mohammad Al-Marzouq, Director General of Public Authority for Sports Dr Humoud Fulaiteh and Senegal Ambassador, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Abdou Lahad Mbacke.

The final match of the tournament was in the doubles category which saw Hassan Al-Mousa and his partner Abdallah Al-Mukaimi defeat Abdelhameed Jumaa and Abdelrahman Al-Awadi 7-6, 6-2.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber said the tournament success was at all levels especially after the large number of players in various age categories participated. He said the next championship will be held at the Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Jaber International Courts Complex, adding "our dream will be fulfilled in getting the sports facility that has international standards and specifications.

He said work is going on according to schedual despite the suffering and obstacles we faced, since HH the Amir lauded the idea and a land was allocated and a contract was signed with the finance ministry in 1998 to be the permanent venue of the Tennis Federation.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber thanked PAS, headed by Director General Dr. Humoud Fulaiteh for its support of KTF activities both in and outside Kuwait.

By Abdellatif Sharaa