Al Habtoor women’s tennis takes off today
Upcoming international players to compete for top honours
dubai — The 16th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge for women takes place at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa in the Dubai Marina area from November 11 to 16.
The $75,000 prize money ITF sanctioned championships will see some of the upcoming international players and those making comebacks, go all out for circuit points in this popular Dubai event.
Entry just to the event is free for spectators throughout the week where action promises to be exciting at a venue that is family friendly and a relaxing beach resort close at hand if you want to entertain your family and friends as additional fun.
The event was announced at the resort on Sunday and was attended by main draw players led by Jana Copelova and Ana Konjuh.
Veteran official, Hany Elkhafief, ITF supervisor for the event; Ivica Antic, recreation manager and tournament director; Mohammed Al Mazouri, managing director, Al Habtoor Group; and Sarah Baker, general secretary, UAE Tennis Association were the officials who occupied the main table.
The qualifying matches for the event were in progress on Sunday for the right to earn places in the main draw beginning on Monday at 11am where there will be the presence of 2 top 100 players competing in addition to former WTA top 20 stars.
A feature of the tourney this year is the Kids Clinics on November 13 and Nov 14 where the former top 20
16th edition of the tournament promises a keen
affair
players of the world will provide tips from 9am. There will also be a camp for ladies from 9am on Thursday.
The strong 32-player singles field will see top rated fare as usual and the finals for the doubles is slotted for Friday, Nov 10 after the women’s singles semis at 11am and 1pm.
The singles title round is scheduled for a 2pm start at the main court on Saturday, Nov 11.
“The event was slightly advanced so that there would be no clash of dates with the other major events in the city like last year. The start timings are also earlier in the 16th edition allowing for more family participation,” said Hany.
Officials from 5 countries led by chair umpires Ali Katebi (Iran) and Walid Semaan (Lebanon) have been commissioned for the championships.
The sponsor list includes the Al Habtoor Group, Al Habtoor Motors, Al Habtoor Leighton, Al Habtoor Hotels, Emirates International School, Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance and Diamond Lease.