Fujairah, UAE, March 4 (V7N) – The ongoing Middle East conflict has caused yet another disruption in the world of sports, with an ATP Challenger tennis tournament in Fujairah, UAE, cancelled after drone strikes hit nearby oil refineries. Play was interrupted earlier in the day, and the safety of players became a priority. A fire was ignited by falling debris from the intercepted drones, located just 15 kilometers from the tournament site.

"The safety and well-being of our players and tournament personnel is our highest priority," said the ATP in a statement. Players remain on-site and are being supported with accommodation and arrangements for onward travel. The second Challenger event scheduled for next week in Fujairah has also been cancelled.

In addition, the opening round of the Qatar 1812km World Endurance Championship has been postponed due to the escalating geopolitical situation. The region’s instability has now affected several sporting events, with this week's Asian Football Confederation club competition matches postponed and the Euroleague Under-18 basketball tournament in Abu Dhabi abandoned over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the England Lions cricket team has cut their tour short, returning home after the cancellation of their series against the Pakistan Shaheens in the UAE.

Tennis players at the Fujairah Challenger were visibly shaken by the situation, with videos showing Belarusian Daniil Ostapenkov and Japan's Hayato Matsuoka seeking shelter after a public announcement. Ukrainian player Vladyslav Orlov also shared his concerns, describing the unsafe environment with sounds of jets and smoke from nearby fires.

Since the war erupted on Saturday following US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, the UAE has faced more than 800 drone and 200 missile strikes. These attacks have targeted vital infrastructure and military sites, with retaliation from Iran's forces affecting neighboring countries as well.

As the Middle East crisis continues to escalate, the world of sports is feeling the impact, with more events under threat of cancellation.

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