Abhir Dayaram and Sashen Thirboan won the inaugural Tequila Cup in Ballito on Saturday after a thrilling three-set final under the lights.

The team edged out Durban pair Shivaan Premrajh and Keagz Mohamed in a dramatic final.

The Mount Edgecombe Dream Padel duo prevailed 1-6, 6-4, 10-9 in a third-set playoff decider to win the all-men’s doubles tournament, which attracted 48 teams from across KwaZulu-Natal.

Organised by Only Realty Ballito in partnership with Incredible Living and local businesses, the event offered R7 500 in prize money and a trip to Sun City for the winners. Additional prizes included sponsor hampers and a weekend getaway to Springbok Lodge for the shot of the tournament, awarded to Mohamed for his ‘tweener’ in the final.

“I have to give it to my partner. He motivated and pushed me,” said Dayaram.

“It’s good to know that at 47, I’ve still got the legs to beat young people.”

The champions won seven of their eight matches en route to the title.

“It was a great tournament,” said Thirboan.

“The atmosphere was fantastic, there was great support and we can’t wait to come back.”

According to co-organiser Michelle Blackburn of Only Realty, demand exceeded expectations, prompting organisers to expand the men’s field and create separate men’s and women’s tournaments.

“It was booked out within 48 hours, so we increased player numbers for the men’s division,” she said.

The women’s Tequila Cup takes place next month. A portion of all entry fees from both tournaments will be donated to Saving Animals Through Fostering and Education (Safe).