UAE and Al Ain playmaker Omar Abdulrahman will be attending the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Thursday for a special meet and greet with fans. We caught up with the current Asian player of the Year ahead of his appearance at Zayed Sports City.
You’re promoting the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. If you could be one tennis player, who would it be and why? Rafael Nadal will be competing, and is a fellow Nike ambassador. What do you admire most about him?
“If I were a tennis player, I would rather be someone similar to Rafael Nadal. His strength lies in his ability to focus on the court, which allows him to take advantage of his opponents’ weaknesses. He is very entertaining and I personally enjoy watching him.”
Read more:
■ Rafael Nadal: Confident, injury-free and 'motivated' to compete for three more years
■ Info guide: Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2016 — Line-up, schedule, tickets and general info
■ Andy Murray: Hopes change in schedule to include Abu Dhabi and Doha will boost Australian Open chances
We have seen the impact major sporting events in the UAE can have on encouraging young Emiratis to take up sport. How important is that and how do you view your role in inspiring the next generation of sports stars?
“Sport is very important to live a positive life and it allows you to do things others can’t. As an athlete I advise all youths to avoid being idle and start practicing sports because it lets you a have clear mind. I know I am not perfect, but I like to stay positive and I encourage those who follow me to be the same. I would appreciate it if someone points out my shortcomings as I try to be the best version of myself and remain a role model and inspiration to all young people.”
In the MWTC, Abu Dhabi is hosting another world-class sports event, and will next year stage the Fifa Club World Cup. What message would you have for people in the UAE ahead of this week’s event?
“I would support any sports tournaments happening in the UAE as a way to support my country and show it in the best light possible. I am confident all sports fans in the UAE would back the tournament and I encourage them to be there to live the excitement.”
You recently played against Barcelona in Doha. What was that like, and did you get to speak with any of their star names during the event? What did you learn most from the experience?
“Barcelona are my favourite team and I was really happy to play against them with Al Ahli Saudi Arabia. It was an amazing feeling. When you enjoy watching a team on television and then meet them on the field — it made me really happy to be among all these amazing players and it motivated me to keep going forward to reach their level. I could learn so much from all those players like [Lionel] Messi, [Luis] Suarez, Neymar, [Andres] Iniesta and [Ivan] Rakitic. It was a pleasure to watch their ball control, creativity and quick decisions. I believe that no matter how high you reach, you can always learn from others.”
You scored a Panenka penalty in that match. What did it feel like to do that against Barcelona and how would you teach Nadal to do that if you had the chance? He is an avid Real Madrid fan.
“My goal against Barcelona was unexpected and I thank God that it succeeded. I took the penalty this way because it was a friendly match and I wanted to come out of it with a good memory. I wouldn’t call it “Panenka’s” penalty kick — I would call it [Zinedine] “Zidane’s”, since he is my inspiration. I am going to teach Nadal some of these football skills at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and I am sure he will teach me some tennis tricks.”
Fans wishing to meet Abdulrahman can do so at Zayed Sports City on Thursday. “Amoory” will conduct an autograph session from 2pm.
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Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
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Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
RESULTS
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.
3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
