Desai, Degioanne and Hasani take home senior singles titles

Dubai: Chetan Desai of India, Anne Degioanne of France and Sedigheh Hasani of Iran all helped themselves to singles titles at the end of the ITF Dubai Seniors Tennis Championships that concluded on Saturday.

Desai, a former player on the ITF Circuit, made a perfect start on the seniors tour with the singles title in the men's over-50 category, while Degioanne was an easy winner of the women's over-35 category.

But impressing one and all was Iranian Hasani with victories in the women's over-40 and over-45 categories.

UAE-based Gregory Howe was also a worthy winner of the men's over-35 event, while Frenchman Pascal Hernandez assured himself of the over-40 men's title ahead of Russian Evgeny Kultygin.

"It was difficult for me at the start because I did not know the level of play," Degioanne told Gulf News.

"I am happy I came and played here. The weather is perfect, the organisation is good and I am sure I am going to be back to defend my title here next year," promised the Frenchwoman.

Hasani, who helped herself to two titles here in the women's over-40 and 45s, was also keen to make a comeback. "I have played all over the world on the seniors tour, but Dubai has been the best. I am sure the points that I have collected here will go a long way in further improving my ranking on the tour," stated the Iranian.

Desai, who was actually in Dubai for the men's semifinals and final of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, was pleased with his debut win in the men's over-50 category. "This title is like a bonus for this visit, and I feel I should seriously consider a return on the ITF Seniors' Circuit. Once I get back to Mumbai, I will ponder which events I can accommodate in my schedule so that I can make it to the ITF World Tennis Championships in Spain at the end of the year," Desai stated.

Technical Director of Tennis Emirates Slah Bramly said: "I only hope that these same players who are based in the UAE will come and attend competitions that are conducted under the aegis of Tennis Emirates."