Tia and Aziz shine in inaugural squash tournament

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

With an objective of promoting the game in the UAE, Jebel Ali Recreation Club and Archibald Sports Academy of Dubai joined hands and hosted the inaugural squash tournament.

Total 108 matches were played in the two-day event, which witnessed the participation of 54 players.

Some of the prominent players who competed in the tournament were Haruzi Dovi, Sriyash Singhania, Rahul Mohanani, Asif Bhatti, Ahmed Abdel Aziz and Pieter De Toit.

Tia Billimoria dominated the Ladies Open category. She defeated Andrea Wilkins 3/1 : 5/11, 11/8, 11/3, 11/7. Laila Tamer finished third.

Ahmed Abdel Aziz won the Advanced (Division 1). He downed Singhania 3/0 : 11/5, 11/8, 11/1. Tia failed to recreate her magic in the Intermediate (Division 2) as she lost to Jean Jaurjora.

Tia was the only player to have participated in the Ladies Open, Division 1 and Division 2. Tia played more than 70 games across divisions.

The Beginners (Division 3) was won by Mariano Faz, who beat Aman Advani 3/0 : 11/7, 11/7, 11/8.

“There is quite a talent pool for the game which can be played indoors during any season. My sole aim is to promote the sport and the players in the UAE through regular tournaments that we will be conducting across the UAE,” said Mohamed Jehangir Khan, Head squash coach at Archibald Sports Academy.

“This is the first of many for this year and we are very keen to give the players a platform to showcase their hard work.

“There is nothing more satisfying for me as a coach to see my students play and win the tournament. Such events give the opportunity to all established and upcoming players to get the recognition for all their hard work they have put in,” he added.

 “We are pleased to see the passion and the talent of both the young and experienced players. We will be holding many more of these tournaments across the Emirates at different venues and soon look forward to having a dedicated squash academy for global players in Dubai soon,” said Peter Arcimowicz of the Archibald Sports Academy.