Dubai: His Excellency Matar Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, hailed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, for his patronage of the DP World Padel Championship.

The International Padel Federation’s flagship biennial championship is currently underway after starting on Monday with the participation of 34 teams battling for top honours in the men’s and women’s competitions.

Taking place in Dubai for the first time, the championship is hosted by the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA) in association with the Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET).

"Thanks to the support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and the efforts of the UAE Padel Association, headed by Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, the padel sports have grown rapidly across the UAE, Gulf and global levels and we have the most modern and best stadiums as well as national organizational expertise.

"The country’s role in this sport has been strengthened, and the ability to organize world-class championships of this stature is enhanced as well.

His Excellency added that the Dubai Sports Council is happy to support the UAEPA in organizing this event and ensuring that it is carried out in the best way possible, reflecting the country's international position as a major hub for hosting global sporting events.

The Vice Chairman of Dubai Sports Council said: "We are confident that this championship will go down in the history of the World Padel Championship as the most successful one, and that the six days of competitions taking place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Court with the participation of the top teams and players will be full of thrilling action.

"Due to the splendor of the location and the provision of all the organization requirements, the global media will present the most beautiful images of the UAE and its sports and tourist facilities, as well as its urban planning, to complete the overall scene with shots that show the strength of the competitions and the beauty of the city."

Meanwhile, title favourites Spain and Argentina were off to a perfect start in the men's and women's competitions of the championship.

In Group A matches of the men’s competition, Spain started the campaign with a 3-0 win over and Portugal blanked Britain 3-0.

Making their intentions clear, the six-time champions, Argentina, beat Belgium 3-0 in a Group B match. Italy battled past the Netherlands 2-1.

In Group C, Brazil defeated UAE 3-0 while Chile registered an easy win over Ecuador.

France and Paraguay posted victories in Group D. France got the better of Mexico and Paraguay downed Qatar 3-0.

The top-ranked Spain also started well in the women's competition. Spain dominated the proceedings from the beginning and didn’t give any room to their American rivals and won the match 3-0 after winning both sets 6-0, 6-2.

In another match of Group A, Germany also collected full points after overcoming Chile 2-1.

In Group B, Argentina beat Uruguay 3-0 while Belgium defeated Japan 3-0.

Portugal and Italy posted wins in Group C. Sweden struggled past France 2-1 and Paraguay beat UAE 3-0 in Group D matches.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals. The third team from each group will compete for positions nine to twelve, while the rest of the teams will fight for positions thirteen to seventeen.

Padel is a growing obsession among sports enthusiasts in Dubai and the opening day saw fans come out in force to welcome the world’s best male and female players.

Results:

Men

Group A: Spain 3 Uruguay 0, Portugal 3 Great Britain 0

Group B: Argentina 3 Belgium 0, Italy 2 Netherlands 1

Group C: Brazil 3 UAE 0, Chile 3 Ecuador 0

Group D: France 3 Mexico 0, Paraguay 3 Qatar 0

Women

Group A: Spain 3 US 0, Germany 2 Chile 1

Group B: Argentina 3 Uruguay 0, Belgium 3 Japan 0

Group C: Portugal 3 Mexico 0, Italy 3 Netherlands 0

Group D: Sweden 2 France 1, Paraguay 3 UAE 0.