Di Biagio and Panucci clinch victory in ‘Legends Padel Tour,’ setting stage for dazzling start to ‘Sharjah’s Week of Stars’

HE Khaled Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), and Sheikh Salem Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, crowned former Italian football stars Luigi Di Biagio and Christian Panucci who won the title of the ‘Legends Padel Tour’, which was held yesterday (Wednesday) at the World Padel Academy, setting the stage for a dazzling start to ‘Sharjah’s Week of the Stars’.

The triumphant event served as the grand kick-off for Sharjah’s Week of the Stars’, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council.

The highly anticipated sports extravaganza in Sharjah is set to commence on Saturday, featuring the participation of 200 acclaimed players from 23 countries, including a star-studded lineup of 23 international football legends.

The dynamic Italian duo, Di Biagio and Panucci clinched the coveted title by outclassing football legends Ukrainian Andrei Shevchenko and French Vincent Candela in a thrilling final match, triumphing with a scoreline of two sets to one set.

In the 1990s and the early years of the new millennium, the iconic Italian football duo of Di Biagio and Panucci found themselves in a gripping tiebreaker (7-6) to seize the title. The initial set favoured the Shevchenko and Candela duo, who managed to secure the result at (4-2).

However, displaying resilience and skill, Di Biagio and Panucci staged a comeback in the third set, levelling the score with a decisive victory at (4-3). The intense showdown ultimately showcased the exceptional prowess and determination of these football legends.

The ‘Sharjah’s Week of the Stars’ will continue its activities on Friday with the launch of the first edition of the ‘Night of the Stars’, which will take place at 7:30pm at the Sharjah Sports Club Stadium.

In the friendly football match, the football legends will exhibit the skills and tactics that defined their glory, rekindling the spirit of the competitions they engaged in on the green pitch. Whether through their performances with international clubs or on the national team stage during continental championships and the World Cup, the event promises to revive the magic of their past triumphs.

The ‘Night of the Stars’ will provide a unique experience for the fans of the beautiful game, providing them an exceptional opportunity to watch their favourite football legends back on the pitch. Fans can enjoy the football skills and artistry that propelled these stars to glory, whether during their professional careers with major international clubs or while playing with their national teams in continental tournaments and the World Cup.

The ‘Night of the Stars’ showcases a six-a-side match with a stellar lineup of football legends. The list includes Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko, a former Ballon d’Or winner, Italian and Roma star Francesco Totti, former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro, legendary Brazilian goalkeeper Dida, and his compatriot Aldair Santos. Also joining the elite group on the field are former French goalkeeper Sebastian Frey and Dutch football legend Clarence Seedorf.