Nadir Bin Hendi and Arif Al Zaffain back to friendly waters

Nadir bin Hendi and Arif Al Zaffain say they will focus on the basics as they take on the first round of the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series this weekend.

Nadir bin Hendi and Arif Al Zaffain are happy to return to Dubai, where they clinched the 2013 title. Raffaello Bastiani / XCAT
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Nadir bin Hendi and Arif Al Zaffain say they will focus on the basics as they take on the first round of the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series this weekend.

Returning to the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi (DIMC) where they wrapped up the 2013 title last month – the Fazza team have their sights set on a repeat performance in this year’s series.

“When it comes to handling the pressure, we always try to be calm and focused and handle all situations,” Al Zaffain said. “It’s always better to think positive and stay cool.”

The pressure will be on the pair, who face numerous strong challengers throughout the season: their Skydive Dubai teammates Jay Price and Sultan Al Dhaheri; the Victory Team of Salem Al Adidi and Talib Al Sayed; as well as the Mouawad combination of Gary Ballough and Omar Danial, as well as the Six team of Tomaso Polli and Matteo Nicolini.

Asked why they work so well together in the boat, Bin Hendi said: “We have known each other for a long period of time so we understand each other very well … In other words, when it comes to powerboating, we are two bodies and one soul.

“Obviously, last season boosted our confidence. We are very optimistic about 2014 and, God-willing, we will bring the same results this year, too.”

Racing in the series gets under way tomorrow with practice at 2.30pm. The race for pole position will take place at 9.45am on Friday and the head-to-head Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will be contested at 3pm that same day.

The Dubai Grand Prix will take place at 3.30pm on Saturday.

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