It was all smiles for Mohammed Seri who stood top of the class to win the Mubadala Tennis in Schools tournament at Zayed Sports City.

The youngster defeated Hasan Taleb 2-1 in the best-of-three sets to emerge champion on the centre court in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening. Both received 10 complimentary coaching lessons in their bid of developing as a player.

They were among the 15 Emirati boys and girls, aged between 7 and 10, to compete and brought an end to the championship which attracted 600 students from 10 local schools.

The competition was created to ensure a legacy for the sporting youth of the UAE with the programme integrated into the physical education curriculum of selected local schools, delivering even more excitement and expert training to young students across Abu Dhabi.

For Mohammad Obaid Al Muheiri, who played on Tuesday, he feels he has improved a lot as a tennis player. He said: “Mubadala Tennis in Schools has really helped realise my potential as a junior tennis player.

“It’s really encouraged me to keep training to improve my skills and I’m much more confident on the court.”

John Lickrish, CEO of Flash Entertainment, added: “We are delighted to give our support to this meaningful community programme which educates and inspires UAE youth to pick up a tennis racquet, learn new skills and have fun with their peers whilst building excitement for December’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Our aim is to continue to build on the long-term legacy of the championship through grassroots tennis events across the region.”