Qatar Storm into FIP Asia Padel Cup Men’s Final
In a commanding performance, Qatar surged into the final of the FIP Asia Padel Cup men’s competition after defeating Iran 2-0 in the semi-finals, played at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The host nation will now battle against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a much-anticipated championship clash on Friday.
Against Iran, stellar performances by the pairs Al Khanji and Aljufairi, along with brothers Rashid and Mashari Nawaf, ensured a straight-sets victory and secured Qatar’s place in the title decider. Their strong court presence and strategic play overwhelmed the Iranian duo, whose resistance failed to translate into scoreboard pressure.
Awaiting them in the final is a resilient UAE squad that edged out Australia in a dramatic 2-1 semi-final thriller. While Australia grabbed an early lead, the UAE leveled matters through the impressive pairing of Vilariño and M. Al Janahi, who clinched their match 6-3, 6-1. In the decisive rubber, it was Goenaga and F. Al Janahi who held their nerve to secure a pivotal 6-4, 7-5 win, elevating UAE to the final stage.
In the women’s category, Iran and Japan have advanced to the final of the inaugural FIP Asia Women’s Padel Cup.
Iran sealed their place in the final with a clinical straight-sets 2-0 win over Indonesia, riding on dominant performances from Najafi Dehaghi and Hana, followed by Zahrizi and Fard.
Japan, on the other hand, showed great resilience after dropping the opening match to Australia. The duo of Ozawa and Tsukamoto turned the tide with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory over Villamizar and Brycki, leveling the tie. In the deciding match, Tokumoto and Kushima delivered under pressure, claiming a composed 6-2, 6-3 victory to book their spot in the historic final.
The stage is now set for an electrifying finale in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the FIP Asia Padel Cup, hosted in Doha, as top teams from across the region compete for continental supremacy.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
