Bahrami Beats Borg in Tehran Tennis Tourney

Playing on the clay court of Enqelab Sports Complex, northwestern Tehran, Borg won the first set 7-5 that responded by Bahrami, who overcame the Swedish 6-2 in the second set.

The Iranian sealed the victory as he won the ‘super tiebreak’ third set 10-8.

In doubles, Bahrami who combined with the Spaniard Emilio Sanchez was victorious as well. The duo crushed Borg and his fellow countryman Mikael Pernfors 6-3 6-4 in two consecutive sets.     

The opening ceremony of the 2nd World Tennis Stars Tournament was held in Enqelab Sports Complex Thursday.

Abbas Khazaei, president of Iran's Tennis Federation, Jamshid Taqizadeh, the Physical Education Organization deputy for employment affairs, and Reza Zavvarei, a lawyer at Guardian Council attended the ceremony.

Head of Tehran Province Tennis Board welcomed the attendants, expressing his satisfaction with the inauguration of event and participation of world-class players.

FEW TOURNAMENTS MAIN PROBLEM

Too few tennis tournaments are held in Iran and that is the main problem of this country, said the world-class players.

During a press conference held on the sidelines of World Tennis Stars Tournament in Tehran, Bjorn Borg and Mikael Pernfors from Sweden, Spanish Emilio Sanchez, and Iran’s Mansour Bahrami added world tennis players take part in various tournaments that keep them in-form.

Bahrami said, “Unfortunately just two or three tournaments are held in Iran every year which is quite insufficient for the progress of Iranian players.

“I am ready to help Iran’s national tennis.”

Bahrami, who is living in France said he has not been summoned to Iran's Davis Cup team adding that Iran has scores of gifted youth and it does not need me.

Participating in the Tehran-based tourney for the second time, Sanchez said, "Iranian players need more competitions to add to their experiences."

The Spaniard added Iran’s Tennis Federation (ITF) has sent several players to Barcelona to train in his camp. 

Borg said he is in Tehran for the second time which is due to his close relationship with Bahrami.

Pernfors said Swedish Tennis Federation conducts routine programs, leading to more Swedish tennis players' success in the international events.

KK/SM

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