Dubai: Syrym Abdulkhalikov and Rikeetha Pereira claimed top honours in the mens and womens singles finals at the Emirates Tennis Academy (ETA) Open that concluded on Sunday.
Abdulkhalikov, a former Davis Cup player for Kazakhstan, fought off Iranian youngster Amirvala Madanchi in three sets 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, while Pereira got the better of Sofia Sablredvic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 to take the women’s crown.
Shaikh Saeed Bin Hasher Al Maktoum, Sarah Baker, General Secretary, Tennis Emirates, Slah Bramly, Technical Secretary, TE and Mark Graham, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority were present at the post-final presentation of trophies.
Madanchi was in pole position to win the title as he was serving for the match at 5-4 and 30-0. But his 28-year-old opponent from Kazakhstan, who last represented his country in Davis Cup in 2008, fought back from the edge to take the set 7-5.
In the final set, Madanchi, who turns 21 next month, was leading 4-1. And once again Abdulkhalikov used his experience to turn things around to draw level 4-4 and then a break later he capped off a memorable final after two hours, 20 minutes on court.
The women’s final too was equally engrossing with the 17-year-old Pereira taking her time to settle in. In the bargain she lost the opening set, but got herself motivated enough while mixing up her game to take the next two sets 6-2 and 6-3 to register yet another title against her name.
Madanchi drew a bit of consolation after he teamed up with Filipino player Kirk Rebuyas to get the better of Joseph Serra and Boleji Olewapo 6-3, 6-1 for the men’s doubles title.
Organised by ETA with sponsorship from Cocoona, Dubai Refreshments, Doctoruna and Red Bull, this tournament was held as a two-tier competition with 12 top players joined by four qualifiers.
