Dubai: The Philippines entered both finals at the 22nd Tennis Nations Cup being held at the Al Nasr Leisureland (ANL).
In the men’s competition, the Philippines secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Iran, while in the women’s contest they were awarded a walkover by the Czech Republic as none of the players showed up for the semi-final.
In the women’s final, the Philippines will take on Russia, while the men will face defending champions Belgium.
Belgium overcame UAE ‘A’ 2-0 in the men’s section, In the women’s, Russia had it easy with a 2-0 win over former champions India.
The Philippines versus Iran semi-final encounter was an interesting one with Hamidreza Nadaf giving the Iranians a winning start following his 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (5) win against young Kirk Rebuyas. However, Michael Quinones brought the two teams on level terms with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Amirvala Madanchi.
In the deciding doubles, Rebuyas teamed up with Joseph Serra for an easy 6-2, 6-1 win over Madanchi and Ashkan Shekariz to ease into the final where they will challenge defending champions Belgium.
The Belgians, meanwhile, had very little difficulty against hosts UAE ‘A’ who had to play without their star Omar Bahroozian, who was out with an injured knee. Mahmoud Nader, who had a strained groin earlier in the week, battled the pain before going down 2-6, 7-5, 0-1 (9) against Kenneth Cauwenburgh, while Jonas Merckx made light work of young Fahad Al Janahi 6-0, 6-3 to book their place in the final.
In the lone semi-final of the women’s competition, Russia had no difficulty in finding their way past India. Angelina Gordienko went past Simran Noronha 6-0, 6-1, while Katerina Karpuk defeated Ria Sengupta 6-2, 6-0.
RESULTS
Women’s: Philippines x Czech Republic 2-0 (walkover); Russia x India 2-0.
Men’s: Philippines x Iran 2-1; Belgium x UAE ‘A’ 2-0.
