Oman Club crowned inter-club squash champions

Muscat: Oman Club comprising of Fahad Al Hinai, Omar Khan and Hussain got the better off Al Ittifaq Club 3-1 to win the inaugural Oman Inter-Club Squash Tournament, which concluded at the Ras Al Hamra Club on Saturday evening.
Al Ittifaq was represented by seasoned players Jamal Al Barwani, Tahir Taghlib Al Barwani and Othman Khwaja.
The first edition of the squash tournament for clubs was conceived by the squash enthusiasts of Oman and was held under the aegis of Ministry of Sports Affairs.
After the exciting tournament which saw clubs like Muscat, Oman, Seeb, Quriyat, Ahli-Sidab , Al Ittifaq, Al Mudhaibi, Bidiya, Nizwa, Fanja, Samail, Sohar, Saham, Dhofar, Salalah and Al Nasr taking part, chief organiser Tahir Al Barwani expressed his delight at the success of the tournament.
"From the smiles of all the players we have understood that the event was a success and we can say now that the future of squash in Oman is great," said Tahir Al Barwani.
He was also showered with praise from all the participants as they vowed their support to the team of organisers.
Sawad Al Sinawi said: "Tahir you are great and even bigger in the squash circuit of Oman...Thanks for your efforts and good spirit of sportsmanship."
Others too echoed Sawad's views and in response Tahir thanked them all.
"You all are part of the success," said Tahir, while thanking Ras Al Hamra Club.
He also thanked all the clubs for permitting to use their identity during this tournament.
The final was keenly contested. It was indeed a great start for Al Ittifaq Club as their most experience player Jamal Al Barwani blanked Fahad Al Hinai 3-0 to gain early lead.
However, Oman Club bounced back with Omar Khan beating Othman Khwaja 3-0 followed by wins from Hussain and Fahad to complete formalities.
Hussain and Fahad blanked Tahir Al Barwani and Othman 3-0 respectively.
Bausher Club took the third spot by default and one of Sohar players got injured.
Earlier, Oman Club had beaten Fanja Club in the quarterfinals and their opponents in last four stage Sohar had got the better of Samail.
In the other quarterfinals, Bousher defeated Nizwa and Al Ittifaq tamed Ahli-Sidab.
In the semifinals, Oman eased past Sohar and so did Al Ittifaq against Bousher.
The prize distribution ceremony was presided over by Khalifa bin Saif al Essai, Director-General of Sports Activities at Ministry of Sports Affairs.
The tournament, according to all participants, is going to be a permanent fixture and it is certain to help the game in gaining national recognition.