By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: The Arab Masters Tennis Tournament came to an end Sunday evening with Lebanon's players grabbling the lion's share in this the first event that was held at the main stadium of Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex. Hadi Habib defeated Malik Jazairi from Tunis 4-6, 7-6, 11-9. In the doubles, Hassan Ibrahim and Hadi Habib defeated Egypt's Sherif Makhlouf and Amr Mohamed 6-3, 6-2.

The closing ceremony was the climax of the Arab Masters Tournament. The closing ceremony was attended by the President of Kuwait Olympic Committee Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, Public Authority for Sport Director General Dr Humoud Fulaiteh and his deputies. Tunisian World No 10 player Ons Jabeur was the guest of honor.

President of Kuwait and Arab Tennis Federations Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah welcomed Kuwait's guests. "On behalf the organizing committee members, I celebrate the success of this event as we continue to strengthen contacts and maintain the spirit of love, while exchanging expertise. We are very proud that the tournament was witnessed by distinguished guests and we had clean competitions," Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber said as he thanked those who participated in the tournament for their efforts.

Director General of Public Authority for Sport Dr Humoud Fulaiteh thanked Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber and KTF board members for organizing the Masters tournament and lauded the exciting final singles match and the excellent atmosphere. He said an important factor that ensured the success of the tournament was the facilities at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex.

On her part, WTA's No 10 Ons Jabeur commended KTF interest in women's sport, adding she expects to see more women as world champions in coming years. She also spoke about the high level of the players who participated in the Arab Masters. Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait Miguel Dose Maro Aguilar said "Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Tennis Complex is a model for the specialized facilities - besides being the host of Rafa Nadal Kuwait Academy."