Marti's brace seals futsal title for Al Joker

Al Joker's Miguel Sayago Marti goes for a shot as Al Habtoor's Leonardo Mendonca Da Rosa challenges him.

Spanish ace Miguel Sayago Marti scored a brace to help Al Joker retain the futsal crown in the fourth edition of the multi-sport Nad Al Sheba Ramadan Sports Tournament, which came to a close, early hours Wednesday.
In the front of a jam-packed indoor stadium, the champs fought out a keenly contested duel of tactics and international class skills, before settling down to defeat debutants Al Habtoor 3-1.
Edelson Robson Dos Santos of Brazil gave Al Joker a 1-0 lead in the 4th minute of the first half. Another Brazilian, Leonardo Mendonca Da Rocha, equalised for Al Habtoor (1-1) in the 12th minute. Marti found the mark a minute before the lemon time buzzer (2-1) and with 11 minutes and five seconds to go for the final buzzer in the second half, Marti slotted in Al Joker's third goal.
The red shirted Al Joker side, enjoying a bigger share of the loyalties on offer in the stands, went into counter raids which were supplemented with rock solid defence where keeper Jaber Al Ali, who was chosen the best goaltender for the championship, was virtually unbeatable except on one occasion.
Al Joker were able to guard their citadel with clever interchange of positions by their three defenders when Al Habtoor were able to penetrate with one-touch, first-chance tries at the goal.
In the playoff for the bronze medal, YLS1-1 outplayed Fohood Jumeirah 7-3. Gelson Saiotti Junior - the highest scorer of the competition with 19 goals - gave YLS1-1 the edge and they led 3-0 at half time.
Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), Saeed Hareb, general secretary of the Dubai Sports Council, former Brazilian superstar Roberto Carlos and tournament director Hassan Al Mazroei presented the prizes.
The three-week tournament in various disciplines was held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. - moni@khaleejtimes.com