Qatar’s Younousse, Tijan win Palembang Open
Doha: Qatar’s new pairing of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan started their campaign in style, winning the Sumatera Governor Cup AVC Beach Volleyball Tour Palembang Open at Jakabaring, Indonesia, on Sunday.
Younousse and Tijan defeated Indonesia’s Ade Candra Rachmawan and Mohammad Asfiya 2-0 (21-17, 21-16) in the final.
The Qataris, playing for the first time together, had defeated compatriots Jefferson Santos and Julio Cesar 2-0 (22-20, 21-15) in the semifinal.
They had been impressive throughout the tournament with wins over Omanis Haitham Al Shereiqi/Ahmed Al Housni (21-13, 21-16) and Australians Cole Durant/Paul Burnett (21-18, 21-14).
Tijan had been partnering Julio Junior with whom he won the Grand Front Osaka Open in Japan recently and now it seems he has developed an understanding with Cherif Younousse right away, which is good news for Qatari beach volleyball.
