Tribune News Network
Doha
The 2021 edition of the Qatar Ooredoo World Padel Championship got off to a blazing start at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Monday.
The sport event, which is a mix of tennis and squash and is hugely popular in the country, was graced by the presence of HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and several dignitaries.
In the opening match, Belgium’s Montucelle Laurent and Peters Jermo scored an exciting 6-2, 6-3 win over hosts Qatar’s pair of Abdulaziz Saadoun Al Kuwari and Muhamed Abdullah in the men’s action.
In the second match, Belgium’s Jens Clement and Gardere Francis prevailed over Qatar’s Mohameed Saadoun Al Kuwari and Abdullah Al Hajji 6-2, 6-1.
In other matches, Uruguay defeated Denmark 3-0, while Paraguay scored over Poland 3-0 while France beat Germany 3-0.
The Qatari team will meet Italian team in the second round on Tuesday.
Argentina are favourites for the men’s tournament having won the previous three while Spain’s women are looking to secure their third consecutive title.
The two nations have dominated the competition since its inauguration in 1992 with Argentina winning 10 men’s and eight women’s events while Spain has won the remaining three men’s and five women’s editions.
It is the first time that Qatar is hosting the championships.
Teams will compete in round robin groups, with the top teams in each progressing to the knockout rounds before eventually reaching the finals.
Nasser Al Khelaifi: 2021 Padel World Championship will be exceptional
HE President of the Qatar Tennis Squash and Badminton Federation Nasser Al Khelaifi, affirmed that the 2021 Padel World Championship, hosted by Qatar Federation for the first time in the Middle East and Asia, will be an exceptional tournament, reports QNA.
In a press statement, Al Khelaifi congratulated the Qatari players who succeeded in qualifying for the 2021 Padel World Championship.
Al Khelaifi welcomed all the guests of the tournament, including the stars of the Padel sport in the world, who are participating in this great event hosted by Qatar for the first time, expressing his hope that they will live a special experience and enjoy the tournament and warm reception of Qatar.
His Excellency also thanked the International Padel Federation for its confidence in Qatar in hosting this major sporting event, praising the continuous efforts of the championship staff to come out with a honorable image and achieve success.
A total of 320 players representing 16 nations are taking part in the padel showpiece event, which is taking place for the first time in Asia. Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) is organising the competition, which concludes November 20th.