Dubai: Former champion Mohammad Al Janahi partnered Mohammad Al Mansouri to clinch the UAE Nationals Padel crown with a gutsy 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 win against Abdullah Ahli and Mohammad Ahli in the Fifth Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Ramadan Sports Tournament.
With cramps setting in midway into the third set, Al Mansouri managed to hold on grimly to two set points and win in three sets.
“This was definitely the toughest match for us as a pair. I thought it was all over when we trailed 4-5 in the final set, but I am happy we were able to fight till the end,” Al Janahi told Gulf News.
Al Janahi won the UAE Nationals title in the inaugural year while partnering Omar Behroozian. “But this one is equally special as I was partnering a very special player who gave it his all,” Al Janahi added.
After going down in the opener 5-7, Al Janahi and Al Mansouri did well to take the second set 6-3 with a couple of breaks. The third set was evenly poised with the eventual champions gaining a 3-2 advantage with a break in the fifth. But the Ahli brothers broke back and went clear 5-3. However, Al Janahi and Al Mansouri won the next three games to win set, match and title.
“I am super happy and excited at winning this title. This is my first major title and inshallah, there will be many many more in the future,” Al Mansouri said.
Results:
Padel UAE Nationals Final: Mohammad Al Janahi/Mohammad Al Mansouri bt Mohammad Ahli/Abdullah Ahli 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.
Third Place: Shaikh Saeed Bin Hasher Al Maktoum/Omar Sharif Al Marzouki bt Zayed Abbas/Abdullah Ahmad 6-0, 6-3.
