BIN MAKTOUM BIN JUMA AL MAKTOUM CROWNS WINNERS OF THE MODON ABU DHABI PADEL MASTER

BIN MAKTOUM BIN JUMA AL MAKTOUM CROWNS WINNERS OF THE MODON ABU DHABI PADEL MASTER

• Third-ranked Agustín Tapia/Arturo Coello Manso and Ariana Sánchez Fallada/Paula Josemaría Martín were crowned winners of the Men’s and Women’s tournaments, respectively.

• Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023 sets the benchmark for upcoming tournaments.

• A historic tournament that showcased Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier host of world-class sporting events.

• The World Padel Tour season opener held at Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat Island was a resounding success, welcoming over 6,000 visitors over the tournament’s six days.

• The sold-out finals of the Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master saw tightly fought matches between the first- and third-ranked duos on both men’s and women’s sides.

• Winners were each awarded the coveted 2,000 points — the highest-ever in World Padel Tour history.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 26 February 2023: Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Association, presented the trophies to the winners of the 2023 World Padel Tour season opener Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master during the awards ceremony that took place among a packed crowd on the centre court located on Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat Island. Agustín Tapia/Arturo Coello Manso defeated Alejandro Galán Romo/Juan Lebrón Chincoa (7-6 / 6-3) to win the Men’s tournament, while Ariana Sánchez Fallada/Paula Josemaría Martín clinched the Women’s title by beating Alejandra Salazar Bengoechea/Gemma Triay Pons [6-3 / 6-3]. Also awarded were Ariana Sánchez Fallada and Arturo Coello Manso, who were bestowed the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award in their respective categories.

The sold-out finals provided thrilling excitement from some of the world’s top players who battled it out in the custom-built court on the beach. The winning duos expressed their delight at being awarded the highest-ever World Padel Tour points haul of 2,000 points.

Abu Dhabi – the newest host of international padel

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Abu Dhabi has cemented its position as a premier host of world-class sporting events. The Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master has proven to be a resounding success, not only for the players and spectators, but for the entire regional sports industry. It has provided invaluable opportunities for the growth and development of padel in the UAE and the wider Gulf region, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s defining sporting infrastructure and capabilities. The event has been a testament to the emirate’s potential as a hub for global sports, and we are incredibly proud of the Emirati players, who participated and demonstrated the country’s potential as a padel powerhouse. We will continue to support and encourage the growth of the sport in the UAE.”

Padel’s meteoric rise as the fastest-growing sport in the region is nothing short of remarkable, and the World Padel Tour Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master provided a unique opportunity to embrace the sport’s burgeoning popularity, creating a platform to celebrate and appreciate the UAE’s padel community and passionate enthusiasts.

Ramon Agenjo, president of the World Padel Tour, said: “The Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master has been an exceptional event, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s readiness to host sports events and our commitment to fostering a vibrant culture for sports in the region. The qualifications of the Emirati players, and the region’s first-ever participation in the main draw of a World Padel Tour tournament, mark a significant moment for the sport in the Arab world, inspiring young players and promoting greater diversity and inclusion in the sport. We are proud to have organised this event with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and thrilled to have been a part of such a prestigious tournament, which has brought together the world’s top players and local talents, furthering the growth and development of padel in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.”

The electrifying atmosphere at the tournament was fueled by passionate crowds, who were a mix of Spanish, Emirati, and GCC fans, as well as fans from the rest of the world, giving the matches a unique and vibrant transcontinental flavour. The final attendance figure of 6,000 visitors highlights the rising popularity of padel in the UAE, with more people discovering and enjoying the sport each year.

Bill O’Regan, CEO of Modon Properties, title sponsor of the tournament and host of Bab Al Nojoum, came away with very positive impressions from the week-long staging: “Modon Properties is incredibly proud to have been a partner for the World Padel Tour season-opening tournament, which has been an overwhelming success in showcasing Abu Dhabi’s prominence in the global sports industry. This tournament, held on the picturesque Bab Al Nojoum, highlights Abu Dhabi’s exceptional infrastructure, and our continued focus on bringing the best sports to the region reaffirms Hudayriyat Island as a leading sporting destination, and we look forward to bringing more successful events to Abu Dhabi in the future.”

The most memorable Masters tournament in WPT history

The World Padel Tour Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master was a thrilling tournament, featuring five rounds and additional qualifying rounds, and provided plenty of upsets along the way. From fan-favourite Francisco ‘Paquito’ Navarro Compan exiting early on day one to the unexpected elimination of fifth-ranked Bea Gonzalez and Marta Ortega by Jessica Castello and young Argentinean star Claudia Jensen, the event was full of surprises. It showcased the talent and determination of the world’s top-ranked padel stars, as well as the potential for emerging players to make their mark on the sport.

The six-day tournament was more than just a sporting event; an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike. With a dedicated fan village set against a stunning backdrop of pristine blue waters, complemented by numerous off-court activities and delectable food outlets, the tournament offered something for everyone to enjoy.

Namir Hourani, managing director of GMOL Events, said: “As the exclusive organisers of the World Padel Tour Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master, GMOL Events is proud to have delivered an unforgettable experience for the players and the fans. The tournament was a massive success, drawing a significant turnout of over 6,000 spectators and showcasing some of the most impressive performances by padel stars from around the world, and we congratulate the winners on a tournament well played. We are thrilled to have played a key role in bringing this prestigious event to Abu Dhabi, transcending its status of a sports event to become a festival that brings together padel stars and enthusiasts in a festive and exciting environment. This event has demonstrated the potential of Abu Dhabi as a global sports destination; we are proud to be at the forefront of that effort and look forward to hosting it again in the future.”

To mark this historic tournament and its regional impact, Emirates Post Group launched two commemorative stamps featuring a die-cut design of two padel rackets to celebrate the success of the UAE Wild Card Padel Championship and the World Padel Tour Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master. The stamps will be available for purchase at Emirates Post Customer Happiness Centres and online, demonstrating the Group’s dedication to promoting sports in the UAE and nurturing young athletes.

The World Padel Tour will continue to South America in March, as it embarks on its most international schedule ever for 2023. Abu Dhabi has agreed to be the venue for the first Master tournament of the WPT calendar every year for the next four years and given the success of the Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master, one can only expect this event to go from strength to strength.

World Padel Tour Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with Global MICE Organisation Limited (GMOL) Events. Modon Properties was the title sponsor for the UAE’s newest international sporting event, while other key sponsors included Emirates Post Group, McDonald’s, Bullpadel, Hilton, Estrella Damm, and Head, among others.

For more information on the World Padel Tour, please visit the tournament’s official website: https://abudhabipadelmaster.com/wpt-abu-dhabi-padel-master

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