Dubai: Public Prosecution rode on a fine all-round performance from Man of the Match Ashraf Abou Zayed to defeat Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) to bag the third place in the wheelchair basketball at the Third Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Ramadan Sports Tournament late on Sunday.
Abou Zayed’s display proved to be decisive in offence and defence as the Public Prosecution team never really relinquished their hold on the match after taking a 6-2 lead at the start. As the opening quarter ticked away Abou Zayed continued with his free scoring and then helping in the defence as Public Prosecution led 20-10 and then 23-14 by the half-time hooter.
In the second half, Public Prosecution simply refused to ease down on the pressure. And with their star player Abou Zayed getting more and more confident under the basket they had powered their way to a healthy 15-point cushion midway through the quarter at 35-20.
The final quarter belonged entirely to the law-makers as they finished strongly at 43-25.
“What we have seen tonight is a wonderful display of teamwork and perfection. I am so proud of what these players have achieved. They have shown all of us, especially during this holy month, what co-ordination and co-operation is all about,” Thani Juma Berregad, President, Dubai Club for Special Needs, told Gulf News after the match.
“I thank Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman, Dubai Sports Council for making the wheelchair basketball a part of the annual Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Ramadan Sports Tournament. I am confident that the fruits of such competitions will reflect when the UAE national team participates at various competitions internationally,” he added.
Hassan Al Mazrouei, Tournament Director was pleased with the success of the inaugural edition of the wheelchair competition. “We have witnessed some great competition between teams. We are always looking at ways to improve this tournament and we will see how best we can innovate and make it more interesting,” Al Mazrouei said.
Last weekend was dedicated for the road cycling races and the final of the wheelchair basketball will be held on Wednesday when Hamdan Heritage Centre meets Dubai Municipality.
