Sheikh Mayed Rowing Cup - Al Matlaa 2 crowned overall victor
Frenzied supporters thronged the breakwater at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi on Friday bearing the scorching heat to cheer their friends and compatriots who participated in the special Sheikh Mayed Watersports Cup Traditional Rowing Championship Cup.
Amidst chants of encouragement and patriotism, the boats made their way to the finish buoys at Mina Seyahi from the start line set inside the Palm Island, Jumeirah. Effort, strength, skill and patriotism at its hilt were visible at the race as these boats rowed furiously. Divided into two rounds Ali Juma Al Za’abi pushed his crew in Wadi Wesam to row to victory in the first round followed by just an inch’ distance with Ahmed Ibrahim Rashid in Al Zahab 1. Not far behind was Henyam skippered by Mohammed Abdul Rahman Ali. Jubilation was eveident as Wadi Wesam and Zahab 1 touched the finish line. There was much discussion as to who crossed the line first as both seemed to be there at the same time. In the second round, Dubai skippered by Ahmed Rahman Al Mansouri took a good distance lead to cross the finish line followed by Al Matlaa 2 with Saif Khalaf Al Matri at the helm. Al Ya made it in third place.
Sounds of jubilation reverberated on the breakwater of Mina Seyahi as spectators cheered the winners at the prize distribution. For the first time there were two boats that tied in the overall points and in order to avoid confusion organiser Saeed Hareb decided that there would be a draw so as to determine the first and second positions. The tie was between Al Matla’a 2 and Al Zahab 1 with Al Matlaa emerging the overall winner. Al Zahab 1 took second place at the podium followed by Al Yah in third place. The Sheikh Mayed Rowing Cup event ends the traditional rowing season.
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Patrick Francis, Press Officer, DIMC
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