Tribune News Network
Doha
The draw for the 2024 FIP World Padel Championships, held at at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha on Sunday, saw holders Spain and 11-time champions Argentina start as favourites in their respective groups in the men’s category.
As many as 32 of the world’s top men’s and women’s teams will be in action at the event being hosted by the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF), for a second time since a highly successful edition in 2021.
The draw took place in the presence of International Padel Federation President Luigi Carraro, and QTSBF Secretary-General and Tournament Director Tariq Darwish Zainal among other key officials.
The teams were drawn into four groups each in men’s and women’s divisions.
Argentina, who have featured in all but two finals of the World Championship since its inception in 1992, will be aiming for their 12thmen’s title as they start their journey in Group A, along with Belgium, Italy and USA.
Group B is led by the four-time champions Spain, along with Paraguay, Mexico and UAE.
France, the bronze winners in 2022, are placed in Group C, with hosts Qatar along with Chile and Uruguay look to challenge the European giants.
‘Group of Death’ Group D features heavyweights in Portugal, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and promises to feature intense clashes.
Meanwhile, following the huge gain in popularity for Padel in the country, Group C contenders Qatar are ready to showcase their growing talent on the international stage.
Led by the seasoned coaching duo, Pablo Nicolas Sisti and Martin Luciano Bogarin, the team consists of a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent. The Qatar squad includes Abdulla Alhijji, Amr Hassan, Rayyan Aljufairi, Mohammed Abdulla, as well as experienced players like Jabor Al Mutawa, Hassan Adel Waly and Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari.
Qatar’s group stage starts on Monday when they face Chile at the centre court. In their second match they will face tough opponents France, before wrapping up the group stage with another crucial encounter against Uruguay on October 30.
Men’s draw
Group A: Argentina, Belgium, Italy, USA
Group BcTypeface:> Spain, Paraguay, Mexico, UAE
Group CcTypeface:> France, Chile, Uruguay, Qatar
Group D: Portugal, Brazil, Netherlands, Sweden.
Women’s draw
Group A: Spain, Germany, Brazil, Chile
Group B: Argentina, Portugal, USA, Egypt
Group C: Italy, Sweden, Uruguay, Japan
Group D: Belgium, France, Netherlands, Denmark.