SHELBAYEH WINS INTERNATIONAL AMMAN OPENER

The Amman International Tennis Championship has started with a win for the Kingdom's top seed.

Abdullah Shelbayah came from a set behind to beat Egypt’s Belal Abu Taleb 2-1 (3-6, 6-3, 6-2).

His teammate Mohammad Al Yamani also advanced after beating Egypt’s Ali Al Masri 2-1 (5-7, 6-4, 6-4) after he too lost the first set.

But Karam Hatamleh missed out following his 2-1 defeat to India’s Karan Srivastava.

In the ladies, there were first round defeats for Jana Al Khateeb (to USA’s Kriti Williams, 2-0), and Dana Mohammad (lost to Turkey’s Buse Suer, 2-0).

The championship has attracted over 100 players representing 28 countries.