Spain dominated in the Asia Pacific Paddle Tour pro events, while Pakistanis won in four out of five amateur finals
A player in action during the Asia Pacific Paddle Tour Grand Slam at Legends Arena in Karachi. PHOTO: Asia Pacific Paddle Tour offficial facebook page
KARACHI:
Spain claimed all professional titles at the Asia Pacific Paddle Tour Grand Slam tournament sanctioned by Asia Pacific Paddle Tour at the Legends Arena.
It took place between October 30 to November 2.
Pakistan’s amateurs won four of five main finals and both consolations marking a strong showing for the host nation.
The event drew over 5,000 fans, powered by McDonald’s sponsorship and Jahangir Khan’s presence.
Next stop: Mumbai Grand Slam, November 7–12.
The event was Pakistan’s first international paddle tournament and featured the world’s best male and female paddlers in action.
Around 80 teams of male and female players from Spain, Argentina, Norway, Iran, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and host Pakistan showcased their skills in pro and amateur events.
In the men’s doubles event, Spain’s Marc Bernals Corault and David Quiros Perro defeated United Arab Emirates’ Sergio Icardi and Francisco Jurado 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 to win.
Spain’s Ceres Liane Ramirez and Elizabeth Nogueira defeated the Philippines and Thailand pair to win the women’s double main professional title.
Spain’s Marc Bernals-Coralt and Elizabeth Nogueira won the mixed doubles event as they defeated Argil Lance Cañares / Joanna Tao Yee Tan (Philippines) 6-1, 6-4.
Pakistan’s Huzaifa Abdul Rehman and Danish Elahi won the professional consolation match.
On the other hand, the amateurs championship also saw Pakistani players exhibiting raw talent.
In the amateur women’s doubles event final, Pakistan’s Saira Omar and Afshan Shahbaz defeated Thailand’s Kate Supa Topanan and Iran’s Samira Bayabani 6-4, 6-4.
Natasha Lakhani and her partner Zulekha Tabba defeated the pair of Sidra Ali and Sara Najam in the amateur women’s consolation final.
The special guest at the prize distribution ceremony was squash legend Jahangir Khan.
The ceremony was also attended by McDonald’s Pakistan CEO Jamil Mughal, National Women’s Driving Champion Dina Patel, Ronnie Patel and Roshana Patel, and others.
Jahangir Khan, in collaboration with McDonald’s, he welcomed the holding of international competitions and said that the arrival of renowned foreign players will create a positive impression of Pakistan at the global level.
Jamil Mughal of McDonald’s Pakistan said that McDonald’s Pakistan has always played its role in promoting positive activities.