By Zaynab Kawtharani
OCA Young Reporter
Sanya, China, April 26, 2026: Lebanon delivered a strong performance in the teqball competition at the Asian Beach Games on Sunday, recording three consecutive victories in the men’s doubles to advance to the semifinals.
The Lebanese pair of Mohamad Hafez and Ahmad Arabi opened their Group D campaign with a straight-sets win over the Philippines before maintaining their momentum with a second victory against Lao PDR, also by 2-0.
They later secured another 2–0 win over Vietnam in the quarterfinals to confirm their progression into the semifinals.
Across all three matches, Lebanon demonstrated consistency and control, gradually improving their performance while adapting to the challenging playing conditions at the Sanya Bay Yuhai Club venue.
Wind proved to be one of the most significant factors affecting play throughout the day, influencing ball control and rhythm on the sand courts.
“The most difficult challenge we faced during the matches was the wind, which clearly affected the flow of the game,” said Ahmad Arabi.
He added that the opening match against the Philippines was particularly demanding due to the opponents’ strong technical control, while Lebanon’s experience played a key role in securing the result.
Mohamad Hafez highlighted the team’s adaptation, saying: “We needed some time to adjust, especially since we are not used to playing on sand in Lebanon, but we managed to overcome the challenges and secure the wins.”
He also expressed appreciation for the support behind the team, noting that it played a key role in their performance and preparation.
Lebanon’s campaign later came to an end in the semifinals after a 2-0 loss to Thailand, concluding a day marked by strong performances and clear progress on the Asian stage.
