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Habtoor News Tariq Ali Khan was one of India’s brightest prospects in the game of tennis. Having represented his country at International Tennis Federation tournaments at home and abroad, the talented youngster appeared to have the world at his fingertips. But fate dealt a cruel blow and Tariq was forced to withdraw from top level tennis at the age of 18 following an accident which prevented him from playing for three years. With time ticking on, Tariq turned his focus to coaching and is starting to make quite a name for himself by passing on his wealth of knowledge on the game. Not content with coaching India Davis Cup fringe player Mustapha Ghouse and National Under 16 girls’ champion Sasha Abraham, Tariq, now 25, arrived in Dubai in August, 1999 to take over the role of tennis coach at the Metropolitan Resort and Beach Club in Mina Seyahi. The decision has led to more success as this month, both the men’s and ladies’ teams from the five-star resort finished their respective seasons unbeaten to take the titles in the same year for the first time. “We have quite a team at the resort now,” said Tariq, who doubles up as the men’s team captain. “I am really proud of our achievements and we have certainly proved that we are the team to beat.” For the women, they have taken the winning knack for granted having lifted the Spinneys League title for the last few seasons, but it’s the first time the men have clinched the honours in the Prince League. Not willing to single out particular players, Tariq did note that Agnes Anwar is probably one of the best players in the ladies’ league but stressed that it had been a monumental team effort. “To go unbeaten all season shows we have a strong set of players,” stressed Tariq. “The ladies in particular have been the best team for quite some time which means the best players want to play for them. But this is the first time the men have had a season like this and I am sure it means we will get stronger.” There are two leagues each year straddling the summer with all matches played in a doubles format. Every team plays each other in a round robin format so all matches count. The new league will start at the end of January with the Metropolitan Resort and Beach Club once again the team to beat in both the men’s and ladies’ leagues. The best teams generally require the best facilities and they certainly have that at the superbly appointed sporting and holiday complex which sits on a prime position on Jumeirah Beach. The three floodlit courts have hosted the prestigious Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge for the past three years, the biggest professional women’s tennis tournament held in the United Arab Emirates to date. Away from the high profile stuff, the Resort is also making a huge effort in trying to raise the profile and standard of tennis in general. “Our courts are in use for a majority of the week,” said Tariq. “All week long we are giving lessons and we also have singles, doubles and mixed social nights for members which have become extremely popular. We also hold monthly tournaments.” For more information on the Metropolitan Resort and Beach Club, or on how to get involved with the team, contact +971-4-3995000.
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 Khalaf Al Habtoor presents a prize to women's singles runner-up, Katherina Rutherford
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