Dubai: The UAE remained one match away from promotion back into Group III following their 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia in their last Pool A match at the Asia/Oceania Zone Group IV in Amman on Friday.
Led by the experienced Omar Behroozian, the UAE fought off a late charge to win 3-0 against Saudi Arabia to book their place in the semi-finals, where they will meet Bahrain on Saturday. Behroozian defeated Abdullah Al Faraj 6-4, 6-2 after debutant Abdul Rahman Al Janahi secured his second win in as many days with a hard-fought 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 win against Faisal Al Rebdi. In the doubles, Behroozian and Al Janahi beat Al Faraj and Al Rebdi 6-4, 7-6 (0).
With Friday’s win, the UAE maintained their unbeaten run in Amman following identical 3-0 wins earlier against Myanmar and Oman.
In Saturday’s semi-finals, the UAE will meet Bahrain, while hosts Jordan, who have been equally emphatic with four 3-0 wins so far, will face Oman, who qualified on a better win/loss record after their 2-1 win against Myanmar.
As per rules winners of both semi-finals will earn a promotion to Group III for next season, while the losing teams will continue in Group IV for another year.
Results: (Pool A) Oman bt Myanmar 2-1; UAE bt Saudi Arabia 3-0. (Pool B) Jordan bt Iran 3-0; Bahrain bt Tajikistan 2-1.
