The pair defeated Dutch Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen in three sets

Ahmed (left) and Cherif all smiles with their bronze medals - the first for Qatar in Major Series history

It has been a very successful tournament for Qataris Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan. Their expectations clearly were not high since the duo had to play in the qualification. But it was there, where their streak started. They secured six wins in a row before their first defeat at the A1 Major Vienna presented by Swatch.

Having lost the semifinal against the Polish pair Fijalek/Bryl, the bronze medal match was all about leaving Vienna with cause for celebration. And so it proved as Cherif/Tijan secured a close three-set-victory against the Dutch Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen (25-23, 17-21, 15-12).

“We already made history with reaching the semifinals,” said Cherif. “We were really happy to achieve that. Now we are just proud about what we’ve done and want to thank all our coaches, our family and the federation. I think that people will know Qatar from this tournament on.”

For the Dutch duo, fourth place was hard to take as two defeats on the final day of the tournament meant they left the Danube Island empty handed.

“Of course we are disappointed. In the end we just didn’t have the energy anymore. In such a match you need to be focused all the time and keep playing on your highest level. We weren’t able to play our best today,” analyzed a crestfallen Meeuwsen.

The third place at the Vienna Major was the first medal for the Qataris at a Major Series tournament, making it the big achievement for the Asian country at this level. “We were a little bit disappointed in the morning, but now we are just happy,” cheered Cherif.

Tijan/Cherif therefore completed the podium at the A1 Major Vienna presented by Swatch. They celebrated together with winners Mol/Sørum from Norway and Bryl/Fijalek from Poland.