“When a health pandemic strikes, people are bound to feel more concerned than usual about staying healthy. There is no better way to boost your immune system than with an intense workout on the squash court” commented Gregory Bachelet, Tournament Director.
Due to the fact that a person wanting to play squash needs a partner, squash clubs provide leagues and tournaments. The next logical step is then for clubs to compete against each other, not just in the same city, but also across Emirates.
In the past month a friendly tournament has emerged whereby Ras Al-Khaimah competed against Ajman in the opening event. On Monday, 28th March 2022, Fujairah competed against Ras Al-Khaimah in the second Inter-Emirate squash Tournament held at the Tennis Country Club Fujairah (TCCF). Two categories, a Juniors up to the age of 14 years, and an open adult’s category, were created for beginner and intermediate players.
During the junior category that started at 6pm, the Fujairah Young Panthers Academy players were given the opportunity to meet and play against new friends, who they will always remember, and most probably meet again on court soon. Medals provided by the host TCCF, were given to all the participants as this was a friendly tournament.
“In the open category the players contested each other in a fierce but friendly manner and squash ended up being the ultimate winner”, says Ms. Hania Reggi, Senior Sales Manager at TCCF. “It wasn’t a stroll in the park for the two top seeded players, Jacques (Fujairah) and Lesley (Ras Al Khaimah) from each Emirate. Both gave it their best, making each other stretch and work for every point”.
Fujairah swept the friendly inter-emirates tournament, winning five of eight matches. We had female participants, and Leoni, who is a member of Fujairah panthers, won.
During May 2022 TCCF will host a UAE Junior, as well as an Open UAE Grand Prix Championship. If 2021 is anything to go by, our next tournament in 2022 will again see the top UAE juniors and elite players in action at the TCCF, commented Jacques Harmse, Grand Prix Tournament Director and Fujairah Squash Coach.
