Qatar players in action during the match against Australia.
Doha: Qatar fought back to defeat Australia 2-1 in a thrilling Asia Padel Cup Group 2 encounter yesterday, setting up a blockbuster semi-final clash against Iran at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.
The victory propelled Qatari men to the top spot in their group as they concluded the Top 8 stage, ahead of Australia, who had also booked their place in the semi-finals.
Qatar, unbeaten throughout the home event, finished first with six points, while Australia came second with five points. UAE topped the other men’s group ahead of Iran as both teams advanced, while Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, and Pakistan exited the tournament.
The hosts faced an early setback yesterday when Khalid Saadon Alkuwari and Abdulla Alhijji fell 4-6, 4-6 to the Australian pair Patrick Rafter and Jake Benzal, giving the visitors an early lead.
Qatar fought back quickly through Rashed Naif and Mashari Naif, who delivered a confident 6-3, 6-3 win over Emeric Navarro and Marious Zelba, levelling the tie at 1-1.
Mohammed Saadon Alkuwari and Hassan Adel Waly then rose to the occasion, defeating Ross Taylor and Timothy Brown 6-4, 6-2 to complete the comeback and secure the victory for Qatar.
Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, the semifinals will feature Japan vs Australia and Indonesia vs Iran.
In Group A, Japan defeated Iran 3-0 yesterday in a battle for first place in their group, while the UAE finished third in the group thanks to a win over Saudi Arabia. In Group B, Indonesia ensured top position with a 3-0 win over Thailand, while Australia beat the Philippines by the same score.
With the semi-final lineup is confirmed, Qatar will take on Iran, while the UAE face Australia for a place in the men’s final. Indonesia meet Iran, and Japan go up against Australia in the women’s semis.
