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Kites Triumph Over Eagles in Thrilling World Tennis League Opener

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World Tennis League Season 3: Paolini, Ruud, and Halep guide
Kites to a convincing 25-20 win over HonorFX Eagles in Match 2
~ The opening day concluded in spectacular fashion as Kites and Falcons register wins ~

Abu Dhabi, December 19, 2024: The opening day of the World Tennis
League Season 3 concluded in spectacular fashion as the Kites secured
a convincing 25-20 victory over the HonorFX Eagles in the second
match held at the iconic Etihad Arena on Thursday.
In the mixed doubles, Alexander Shevchenko and Paula Badosa
secured an early break in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead for the
HonorFX Eagles. However, Jasmine Paolini and Casper Ruud, after
taking some time to find their rhythm, turned things around to win the set
6-4, putting the Kites ahead in the match.
In the men’s singles, Ruud maintained his impressive form as he cruised
to a comfortable 6-4 victory and further extended the Kites’ lead to 12-8.
Iga Swiatek and Paula Badosa came out strong for the HonorFX Eagles
in a star-studded women’s doubles clash. They raced to an early 3-0
lead, narrowing the overall gap to 12-11. However, Simona Halep and
Jasmine Paolini of the Kites showcased incredible resilience, mounting
an impressive comeback as they took the set from trailing 2-5 to level
the score at 5-5. The duo built on their resurgence to clinch the set 7-5,
giving the Kites a commanding 19-13 lead in the overall match.
The final set, the women’s singles between Swiatek and Paolini, began
evenly. Paolini broke Swiatek’s serve in the sixth game to secure a 4-2
lead and held her serve to make it 5-2. Swiatek, however, responded
emphatically, winning five consecutive games to take the set and cut the
overall deficit to 20-24, pushing the match into Over Time.
In OT, Paolini held her nerve to win the decisive game, and helped Kites
start their campaign with a 25-20.


Speaking after the game, Ruud reflected, “We started well, Jasmine and
I played a good mixed doubles set, we won that 6-4, and then I played a good single set. I’m happy with my level, with my performance, and
looking forward to coming out there again tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Halep added, “Our team is super relaxed and we have good
light moments during sets. It’s a good atmosphere, but it’s a good start
for me personally.”


Earlier in the day, the Game Changers Falcons pulled off a dramatic 29-
26 comeback victory over the TSL Hawks in the season’s opening
match, thanks to Andrey Rublev’s heroics in the final set. Trailing 17-21
heading into the last set, Rublev’s win forced the match into Over Time.
He then won two consecutive games to level the overall score at 26-26,
setting the stage for the season’s first Super Shootout. Riding on his
momentum, Rublev outplayed Thompson 10-6 in the Super Shootout,
securing the bonus points for his team.


The grand opening day is set to culminate into the much-awaited concert
by legendary music icons Bryan Adams and Anastacia.
For the upcoming matches and concerts, tennis and music lovers can
book their tickets from https://www.etihadarena.ae/en/world-tennis-
league or https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/93107/world-
tennis-league-presents-the-greatest-show-on-court-at-etihad-arena-abu-

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Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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