Oman’s Fatma makes rapid progress at Maaseik Open

MUSCAT: Oman’s Fatma Al Nabhani, who is top seededed, booked a place in the quarterfinals of the women’s singles in the ongoing $10,000 International Tennis Federations (ITF) Maaseik Surtegno Open 2016 in Belgium.

Oman’s international tennis star Fatma Al Nabhani, who had lost in the doubles final of the Saint Gervais Open in France recently, had also earned a first round bye in the doubles as top seeds.

Fatma partnering Netherlands’ Kelly Versteeg defeated Eleonara Molinaro of Luxembourg and Eva Marie Voracek of Germany 7-6 (8), 7-6 (5) to enter doubles semifinals.

Eleonara and Eva Marie had defeated Poland’s Katarzyn Kubicz and Germany’s Emelie Luisa Shwarte 6-1, 6-1 to set up a quarterfinal clash with the top seeded pair.

Meanwhile in the singles,

Fatma Al Nabhani reached doubles semifinals and also singles quarterfinals

Fatma will eased past Poland’s Katarzyna Kubicz 6-1, 6-3 was stretched in the second round by Colombia’s Maria Fernanda 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.

Though beginning well, Fatma found the game going away in the second set, but did well to clinch the match after 12 games in the third set.

Fatma will take on unseeded Jade Suvrijn of France in the quarterfinals. Jade beat Mandy Wagemaker of Netherlands in the first set and later stunned eighth seeded Chiara Schol of USA 6-1, 6-2.