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Dubai: The UAE's first badminton ranking tournament elicited huge response on the first day at the Etisalat Academy.
"We were surprised by the response for the tournament and support for badminton in UAE. Over 78 players turned out to compete. Players living in UAE and from different parts of the world turned up," remarked J.J. Jalal, the chief organiser of the event.
Former world champion Arun Pooya from India inaugurated the event.
In all 84 matches were held from 10am, 40 matches in singles and 44 matches in doubles.
Eight players have made it to the quarterfinals. They are Christopher (Denmark), Kim (Denmark), Roy Choi (Hong Kong), Mo'en Ahmad (Pakistan), Homan (Iran), Fajer (Indonesia), Donnie (Philippines) and James Varghese (India).
This tournament, sponsored by Al Faraa Group of Companies and Etisalat Academy, is aimed at creation of a Badminton Association in the UAE.
The final will be held on March 14 and an official ranking list will be released. "All the players have urged the need for more tournaments and creation of an association to promote the game in the UAE," said Jalal.
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