Doubles 2026 — Photos

🏸 HHB Annual Doubles Classic 2026 — A Classic for the Ages! For the first time in HHB history, the Annual Doubles Classic was wrapped up in just **two Sundays** — group stage blitz on 7th June, knockouts on 14th June, both at Eastwood High — and what a resounding success it was! Slick scheduling, zero drama off the court, and ALL the drama on it. 🔥 **Pre-tournament twists!** Even before a shuttle was struck, the Committee had to work some magic. Last-minute unavailability saw **Shoaib/Suraj** step in as super-subs for Vasu/Alty, while an unfit Mansoor Bhai handed the baton to **Waqas**, who partnered up with Sandip — and both backfill pairings did themselves proud, with Sandip/Waqas even storming into the quarterfinals! Credit to the depth of this club that we could plug gaps just in time without missing a beat. Speaking of depth — this year's A+B random pairing draw was the **easiest split the Committee has ever had**. The gap between our A and B pools has never been narrower, and it showed: the overall standard across all 30 group matches was simply a level above anything we've seen in previous editions. Rallies were longer, smashes were harder, and upsets were lurking everywhere. **Group Stage:** Ziad/Shiva went a perfect 5-0 to top Group A with a monster +41 NSD, while pre-tournament favourites **Thomas/Jalal** matched them with a flawless 5-0 in Group B — including a statement 21-15 win over Atul/Dhawal. Foreshadowing? Read on... 👀 **Semifinals — where legends are forged!** Atul/Dhawal survived a rollercoaster three-setter against the red-hot Ziad/Shiva (21-15, 12-21, 21-12), digging deep after being pegged back in game two. On the other court, Thomas/Jalal edged past Vivek/Sengole in two nail-biters — **21-19, 21-19** — four points in it across two games. Vivek/Sengole channelled that heartbreak into a dominant 3rd-place win over Ziad/Shiva. 🥉 **THE FINAL — an instant classic!** 🏆 Thomas/Jalal, unbeaten all tournament and favourites from day one, took the opener 21-16 and looked destined for the title. But **Atul** — already a Championship winner earlier this year — and the superb **Dhawal** had other ideas. They roared back 21-12 in the second, then held their nerve through an epic deuce battle in the decider to snatch it **24-22**. Two points from glory, Thomas/Jalal finally met a pair who simply refused to lose. Atul completes a golden 2026, and Dhawal announces himself in the biggest way possible! Congratulations to our champions **Atul/Dhawal** 🏆, gallant runners-up **Thomas/Jalal** 🥈, and bronze medallists **Vivek/Sengole** 🥉. Two Sundays, 38 matches, one unforgettable Doubles Classic. Roll on 2027! 🎉