Argentinean teenagers triumph at NAS paddle tennis

The teenage pair of Martin De Nenno and Franco Stupackzuk from Argentina overwhelmed the experienced Brazilian duo of Julio Julianoti and Gervasio Del Bono to win the international paddle tennis competition in the Nad Al Sheba 2014 Sports Tournament on Friday.

Martin De Nenno, who is yet to complete his high school and Franco Stupackzuk, a full-time dedicated paddle tennis player defeated the more experienced 6-4, 6-2 before an appreciative crowd of supporters at the NAS Sports Complex.

The finalists were rewarded with trophies and cash prizes by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council in the presence of Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, president of the newly-formed UAE Paddle Tennis Association (UAE PTA) and other top officials.

Martin De Nenno was thrilled at having achieved his dream of winning at a sporting destination such as Dubai.

“This is our first visit to this part of the world and it has been such an amazing experience for both of us. Not only have we been spoilt by the organizers with such fantastic hospitality but we have also fulfilled our primary aim of winning a big competition and take back fond memories home,” he said.

“For sure we will return and defend our title next year,” added the 17-year-old Argentinean.

Though they registered an early break in the first set, Julio Julianoti and Gervasio Del Bono bounced back to draw level 2-2. But Martin and Franco had a second break after which they took the set 6-4.

Struggling with a left shoulder injury, things got tough for Julio Julianoti while his coach and playing partner began showing signs of tiredness.
“They were the better pair tonight and they deserved to win this title,” conceded Gervasio Del Bono, who has his own paddle tennis academy in Porto Alegre in southern Brazil.

In the team competition, it was the Sheikh Saeed Bin Hasher Al Maktoum-led Hala Madrid team all the way with a 2-1 triumph over NAS team.

Fohood Zabeel thrashed Fohood Jumeirah 5-3, while Al Jokar defeated Al Markaz 3-1 to set a meeting in the Futsal final that will bring down the curtains on this year’s competition.

The NAS 2014 Sports Tournament is sponsored by Emirates, Dubai Duty Free, Meydan, Al Tayer Motors, Al Naboodah and Arabian Automobiles Al Rostamani.

 

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