Sport | Tennis
Huge response for Al Masraf Invitational
About 100 entries expected at event where the prize money has been raised to Dh100,000
- By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
- Published: 00:00 February 1, 2012
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archives
- Ramesh Panicker
Abu Dhabi: About 100 entries are expected for the second edition of the India Social Centre (ISC) Al Masraf Invitational Tennis Tournament, which starts at the ISC courts next Thursday.
Though this is the second edition being played at their new courts, the ISC Open has a long-standing tradition and has been held at the centre for more than two decades.
Addressing a press conference to announce the event, ISC President Ramesh Panicker, said: "We are expecting over 100 entries for the tournament, which starts on February 9 and is expected to be completed on February 25. Competitions will be held in 12 different categories and the last date for entries is February 5. We will be holding the draw the next day. The response has been very good and we are confident that this event will end up as a grand success."
The tournament, which is sponsored by Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade (Al Masraf), will see competition in the men's singles/doubles, women's singles/doubles, men's Over-45 singles and doubles, veterans (men over-55), boys Under-12, Under-14 and Under-18, and girls Under-12 and Under-16.
According to Dr Surya Kumar, ISC's tennis secretary, the event is expected to see representatives from many nationalities participating in the tournament.
"The response from the Filipino community has been very encouraging, while we also have a few Spanish nationals who have confirmed their participation," Kumar said.
"The prize money has been enhanced and the total prize fund for this edition will be Dh100,000. Sri Lanka's Roshan Razik, the defending champion, will be playing."
Guest of honour
Roberto Rubio, who has coached world number two Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya and is the head coach at the Professional Sports Services Tennis Academy here in Abu Dhabi, will be the special guest, according to Kumar.
More information on entry forms can be obtained from Kumar on 050 6825920.
Multimedia
Sport Editor's choice
-
Time for innovation, not controversies
Only transparency and fine-tuning can take the event a step further
-
Celebrating a tradition of the seas
The race over 51 nautical miles brings generations of families together, soaking in the spirit and atmosphere of a bygone era. An era that could have been lost forever.
-
Kings of Asian Futsal are the team to beat
Strong iran squad target afc title in 16-team competition which begins in dubai today
