Abu Dhabi-based Kareem Allaf is through to the final of the Bahrain Junior ITF while Sanjana Sudhir squandered a considerable first-set lead before falling in the girls’ semi-finals.
Allaf, who trains at the Abu Dhabi Country Club, is currently No345 in the world junior rankings and is the top seed at the tournament in Bahrain.
The 16-year-old Syrian booked his spot in the final after dispatching Egypt’s Omar El Kadi in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2 and set up a title match with Ammar Alhogbani of the United States.
Meanwhile Sudhir, who trains at Abu Dhabi’s PSS Tennis Academy, lost in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6 to 13-year-old star-in-the-making Viktoria Morvayova of Slovakia in the girls’ singles semi-finals.
“We’re not so happy about making semis as she had all the opportunities to make it to the finals and probably win the tournament,” said her coach Sigi Meeuws after the match. “She was 5-1 up in the first set and had a set point but she let it slip away.
“She had 13 break points in total and only converted five of them. So she should have won.
“Overall, her level was great so for sure lots of positives to remember. However, at this level you need to take your chances.
“Her opponent is going to be a star. She’s 13 and plays brilliantly,” added Meeuws.