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Roberto Mancini’s arrival at Al Sadd marks a major test not just for the celebrated Italian coach, but also for Qatar’s most decorated football club.For Mancini, who turns 61 at the end of this month, returning to the Gulf barely a year after a turbulent stint with Saudi Arabia represents both a lucrative opportunity and a reputational gamble. He will reportedly earn up to €21mn over two and a half years — a windfall that extends his run as one of world football’s best-paid managers.Al Sadd confirmed the appointment Thursday, announcing that Mancini had signed a two-and-a-half-season deal and sharing photos of him holding the club shirt. “Benvenuto Signor Mancini,” the club posted on social media, using the Italian word for “welcome,” without revealing financial details.Mancini began his managerial career in Italy with Fiorentina, Lazio and Inter Milan. His most successful spell came during his time with Inter, where he won three consecutive Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia crowns and two Supercoppa Italiana triumphs between 2004 and 2008.He later managed Manchester City from 2009 to 2013, leading them to FA Cup glory in 2011 and a maiden Premier League title the following season — the club’s first in 44 years. After a second-place finish in 2012–13, Mancini was replaced by Manuel Pellegrini.Further spells followed at Galatasaray and Zenit Saint Petersburg, either side of a second stint at Inter, before he guided Italy to the Euro 2020 title. Yet since that triumph, Mancini’s reputation has waned. His high-profile tenure with Saudi Arabia — launched amid huge fanfare and a reported €30mn-a-year salary — ended after just 14 months following disappointing results in the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers. Reports suggest he received around €65mn in compensation after his departure.Linked briefly with the Nottingham Forest job before the Premier League club appointed Sean Dyche in October, Mancini now takes charge of an Al Sadd side that has struggled for consistency this season despite the marquee signing of former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.The Qatari giants — who dismissed Felix Sanchez in October despite winning the league and cup double last term — currently sit sixth in the Qatar Stars League with 14 points from nine matches, eight adrift of leaders Al Gharafa. In the AFC Champions League Elite, they are 10th in their group and face an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds.Mancini’s appointment is therefore as much about restoring Al Sadd’s domestic dominance as it is about salvaging his own managerial credibility. The club will expect an immediate turnaround, while Mancini will be eager to prove he can still deliver success outside Europe’s top leagues.A clause reportedly allowing him to leave in 2026 adds intrigue to what is already a bold gamble by both sides. The move also represents a significant coup for the Wolves, who previously rebuilt their project under their former player Xavi Hernandez before the Barcelona legend’s return to Spain. By bringing in Mancini, Al Sadd are once again banking on a high-profile leader to raise standards and reassert their supremacy in Qatar.“This contract comes as part of the club management’s efforts to strengthen the technical staff with distinguished coaching expertise capable of achieving the team’s ambitions and continuing its run of success,” Al Sadd said in a statement Thursday.Hours after signing the contract, Mancini immediately donned the Al Sadd training kit and took charge of his first practice session. His debut match at the helm will be on November 22 at home against Al Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League. With Al Sadd seeking to climb the table and rediscover their identity, all eyes will be on whether Mancini can spark the kind of revival that once made him one of Europe’s elite managers.

For much of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Qatar’s dream seemed in jeopardy. The two-time Asian champions, who have dominated continental football since 2019, have long struggled to secure a World Cup spot on merit.This campaign was no different: four coaching changes, inconsistent defensive displays and heavy losses at key moments tested the team, forcing Qatar’s most capped player, Hassan al-Haydos, to come out of retirement to boost team morale.Their maiden appearance in 2022 as hosts had ended in disappointment, as they became the first host nation to lose all three group games. With FIFA expanding the tournament to 48 teams, qualifying on merit was not just a goal — it was essential to restore pride and showcase their progress on the global stage.Last night, a tense and action-packed 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in the fourth round of Asian qualification secured Qatar’s place in next summer’s World Cup finals in North America — which should no doubt be a monumental relief for players, fans and everyone involved in Qatari football.At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, second-half headers from captain Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, both delivered from Akram Afif’s expertly curled free-kicks, ensured Qatar will make their second successive World Cup appearance. But the night was far from calm.UAE fans erupted after each Qatari goal, hurling plastic cups and bottles, with a sandal even striking a member of Qatar’s support staff. Substitute Mohammed Muntari had to be restrained as the forward charged toward the away section after relentless provocation.And after Miguel’s 74th-minute strike, some UAE fans climbed over perimeter fences before police and security could restore order — a chaotic scene reminiscent of the 2019 Asian Cup clash when when sandals was hurled on the pitch on Qatar players.Drama reached its peak in the final minutes. Tarek Salman received a straight red card in the 89th minute for a reckless tackle, and deep into injury time, Sultan Adil pulled one back for the UAE, leaving the crowd on edge through 15 minutes of added time. When Uzbekistan referee Ilgiz Tantashev finally blew the whistle, emotions poured from players and fans alike with tears, relief and unbridled celebrations all mingling in the stands.The intensity extended beyond the pitch. Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui was accidentally struck in the face by his own player during an early tackle, adding to the night’s drama.The visitors’ lineup had been adjusted after their epic comeback against Oman less than 70 hours earlier, switching from an aggressive 4-2-4 to a more cautious formation designed to contain Qatar’s danger man, Afif.Qatar went into the game knowing only a win would suffice. Early threats came from Sultan al-Brake, whose close-range effort was blocked by goalkeeper Khaled Eisa, and Ayoub al-Ouwi, who flashed a rebound across goal. UAE came close themselves, with Lucas Pimenta heading wide in the 15th minute and Edmilson Junior twice creating chances that narrowly evaded Eisa.The breakthrough came four minutes after the restart. Saleh’s foul on Edmilson Junior gave Qatar a free-kick on the right flank, and Afif delivered a perfect cross for Khoukhi to head home. Three minutes later, Afif repeated the trick, this time finding Miguel at the far post to double the lead.UAE’s hopes were briefly revived after Salman’s red card, and Adil pulled one back in the 98th minute. Despite the late surge, Qatar held on, proving that after the turmoil and setbacks of the campaign, they could qualify on merit — and do so in spectacular fashion.Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui, reflecting on the dramatic night, called it a “great achievement” for his side. “It was a very difficult match. We faced a strong and well-prepared team, the UAE. I congratulate everyone on qualifying in a match that we were able to manage well with the players and the team. Yes, this is the first time we have qualified, and this is a great achievement for us. We are happy to qualify and participate in the next World Cup,” the Spaniard said.“The first half was balanced. We wanted to score, and we achieved that early in the second half. We had to give our best in the match. I thank the players and the fans. Everyone did what was necessary. We overcame a difficult stage, qualified, and made our fans happy,” Lopetegui added.

Qatar sealed their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the Asian qualifying playoffs at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday night.Needing a win to progress, Julen Lopetegui’s side rose to the occasion with goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, while Sultan Adil’s late strike for the UAE set up a frantic finish.Tarek Salman was sent off in the 89th minute after a VAR review for a studs-up tackle, but Qatar held firm through 15 minutes of stoppage time to claim a famous victory in front of a packed house at the home of Al Sadd.The 2022 World Cup hosts, who did not make it out of the group stage three years ago in their first ever appearance at the tournament, were deserving winners on the night.An emotional Akram Afif, who unlocked the UAE defence on both occasions with sublime crosses, was overjoyed after the memorable victory. “It’s a great achievement to qualify for the World Cup. We gave our best and got the result we wanted. The credit goes to our incredible fans, who turned up in large numbers and motivated us in this crucial match,” he said.Veteran forward Hassan al-Haydos echoed the sentiment, saying: “This is a moment we’ve dreamed of for a long time. It was the destiny of this generation to earn a place at the World Cup. This group is capable of achieving great things.”Captain Khoukhi said: “It’s time to celebrate, and I congratulate all Qataris on this historic achievement. We really worked hard for this win — we deserved this victory.”Both sides began cautiously, aware of the high stakes — a draw would have been enough for the visitors to qualify. Qatar dominated the early exchanges, with Afif pulling the strings in attack. Mohammad al-Mannai and Almoez Ali both went close before Nicolas Gimenez tested goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada from distance at the other end.After a goalless first half, Qatar broke through almost immediately after the restart. The two-time Asian Player of the Year Afif delivered a trademark curling cross from the left, and Khoukhi rose highest to head home in the 46th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.Qatar doubled their lead in the 74th minute when Miguel nodded in another pinpoint Afif delivery from a set piece. The UAE threw everything forward in the closing stages, and Adil pulled one back deep into stoppage time, but Abunada’s late saves preserved the win amid rising tension.The result confirmed Qatar’s direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. The UAE will now enter a two-legged playoff against the Group B runners-up in November, with the winner advancing to an intercontinental playoff for one final chance to reach the finals.Qatar became the seventh Asian side to qualify for the global showpiece, joining Uzbekistan, Jordan, Iran, South Korea, Japan and Australia.

History, form, and recent head-to-head records will all be against Qatar when they face the United Arab Emirates in a crucial Asian World Cup Qualifiers playoff at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium Tuesday. Despite enjoying home advantage and a six-day break between matches — compared to just three days for the UAE and Oman — the Asian champions find themselves in a must-win situation in their bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Qatar produced an underwhelming performance in their goalless draw with Oman, while the UAE came from behind to defeat the same opponents, putting them firmly in control of Group A. A draw will be enough for the Emiratis to secure qualification, but Qatar — second only on goal difference ahead of Oman — must win to reach their second successive World Cup and the first on merit. A draw would send them into a two-legged playoff against the Group B runners-up, currently Iraq, who face Saudi Arabia Tuesday. The winner of that tie, to be held in November, will advance to an intercontinental playoff for one final chance to qualify. In truth, Qatar have struggled throughout the qualification campaign. What’s more concerning is their recent record against the UAE — having lost both home and away encounters in the previous round. Last September, Al Annabi were beaten 1-3 at the very venue they play Tuesday, and two months later in Abu Dhabi, Brazil-born playmaker Fabio De Lima scored four goals in a 5-0 thrashing. While past results may count for little in a decisive match like this — where a single moment of brilliance or lapse in judgement can settle matters — Qatar’s qualification record does little to inspire confidence. Still, the 15,000-capacity crowd at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium — with UAE fans allocated just eight percent of tickets — will be firmly behind the home side, hoping their support can make the difference. Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui has not inspired much confidence either, with the former Spain and Real Madrid manager fielding two debutants — 20-year-old Al Gharafa defender Ayoub Aloui and 25-year-old Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada — in an important clash against Oman. That tactic did not yield the desired result, though the two new faces fared better than some of their more experienced teammates. It will be interesting to see what lineup Lopetegui chooses Tuesday, with the odds in favour of him fielding a stronger side. Almoez Ali — who came on only in the 57th minute against Oman — is set to start, while star forward Akram Afif, who squandered Qatar’s best chance early in the second half, will also need to be at his best. Veteran Hassan al-Haydos, who returned from international retirement specifically for the play-offs, remained unused against Oman and his calming presence might make a difference Tuesday. Ahead of the match, Lopetegui was upbeat about Qatar’s chances and said his side was ready to “make the dream a reality.” “We’ve been working for months to reach this incredible opportunity and to chase a big dream,” said Lopetegui. “Our focus is fully on the moment ahead and we’re preparing to be ready tomorrow to make that dream a reality.” The Spaniard dismissed any notion that two recent losses against the UAE would have any psychological impact on his players. “We know we’ll be facing a very strong national team — full of quality players and led by an excellent coach — but our attention is on our own strength, on our team,” he said. “We’re ready and looking forward to tomorrow. I believe the story of our previous matches against them is already written, but tomorrow’s story is still to be written. That’s why it’s crucial for us to compete at our best and have full confidence in ourselves. We need to trust in our team and our strengths. We must keep pushing to achieve this great dream we’ve been chasing for a long time and stay completely focused on the moment ahead,” Lopetegui added. Meanwhile, the UAE, who are seeking to return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1990, are not short on confidence. Cosmin Olaroiu’s second-half adjustments proved decisive against Oman, with substitutes Caio Canedo, Yahia Nader and Harib Abdalla making an immediate impact to spark the turnaround. The Romanian coach can be expected to tinker with his starting lineup against Qatar. Olaroiu was not in charge when the UAE beat Qatar twice in the previous round, as he replaced Paulo Bento only in May. But under him, the UAE have looked no less lethal. Marcos Meloni and Caio Lucas scored for the Emiratis against Oman, with Ali Saleh, Nicolas Gimenez, and Fabio Lima also making crucial contributions. Olaroiu — who guided Sharjah to AFC Champions League triumph before taking charge of the national team — urged his players to give one final push in what he described as their “last battle.” “Tomorrow, we go from two games down to one — the final battle. We have to treat it like a final, and we hope we can achieve this dream for the UAE,” he said. Olaroiu was not too happy with the short turnaround for his side, though he seemed to take it in his stride, insisting his players must focus on their performance. “When you play this kind of game, you find the energy everywhere,” he said. “The players have the will and belief to play with full strength. It’s a short recovery time, but we can’t complain. We have to face it. The players want to play, so they will find the reserves to recover and to play with full energy tomorrow. I’m sure about this. They will try their best, I’m sure. They believe, always, and I expect tomorrow they will do it again.”

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) hosted a press conference to announce “50 Days to Go” for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix, announcing LIC’s readiness to welcome fans, drivers, and teams from November 28–30, 2025 for one of the most anticipated race weekends of the year.The event, held at Lusail International Circuit, was led by Ali al-Dosari, Executive Director Operations of Lusail International Circuit and Hamad Alkhalaqi, PR & Communications Manager at Lusail International Circuit who shared details of the circuit’s final preparations, on and off track activities, enhanced fan experiences, sustainability initiatives, community programs, and citywide activations planned in the countdown to race weekend.This year’s on- and off-track program promises an unforgettable experience for everyone — from die-hard Motorsport fans to thrill-seekers and families alike. In addition to Sunday’s main race, the weekend will feature the Formula 1 Sprint Race, FIA Formula 2 Championship, and Porsche Carrera Middle East Cup, ensuring continuous, high-octane action throughout the event.Off the track, the entertainment will be just as electrifying, headlined by a concert from the globally acclaimed British singer, Seal, on Friday, followed by, on Sunday, a powerful performance by one of the world’s biggest rock bands — Metallica. Moreover, this year’s Fan Zone promises a completely reimagined experience that combines greater thrill, entertainment, education, culture, and interactivity. Visitors can look forward to a larger family area with activities for all ages, a diverse selection of local food and beverage options. At the heart of the Fan Zone, the Qatar Cultural Area will celebrate Qatari heritage through traditional performances, crafts, and hospitality; featuring live Ardha, Arabic coffee and dates, and craft showcases including Sadu weaving, pottery, calligraphy, henna. Additionally, for the first time in the Middle East, LEGO will bring its celebrated “Build The Thrill” Experience to Qatar as part of a global tour across 14 Formula 1 races. This activation will showcase a LEGO-themed pitlane and garage, where guests can build their own mini LEGO F1 car, enjoy immersive visuals and audio, and take home their creation in special Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix packaging. The Fan Zone will further feature a spectacular lineup of official F1 activations that bring fans closer to the action. Visitors can experience the F1 Sim Racing and LED Pitstop Challenge, capture moments with the F1 Driver Selfie Station, or step onto the DJ Podium for an authentic winner’s celebration. The immersive “This is F1® 4D” cinematic show, the Blast Lane wind tunnel, and virtual pit tours will round out an extraordinary lineup that underscores LIC’s role as one of the sport’s most fan-centric venues.Interactive science and sustainability experiences will also feature prominently, including the F1 Genius Dome, where visitors can explore the science of aerodynamics and race-day strategy; the Green Arena, an energy-generating cycling competition; and the Gallery of Second Life, an art exhibition made entirely from recycled materials. One of this year’s key additions is The Sensory Room, developed in collaboration with Qatar Foundation. This dedicated space will offer a calm and inclusive environment for guests with sensory sensitivities, reflecting LIC’s ongoing commitment to making the event more inclusive and accessible for all.LIC also unveiled a bi-lingual digital event map and navigation platform to improve fans' digital wayfinding experience. This cloud-based immersive digital map will guide fans seamlessly through their weekend — from their homes to circuit parkings, and across every part of the venue, including merchandise stores, amenities, fan zone activities, music concerts, accessible areas, and more. It offers real-time wayfinding, personalized navigation, and the chance for fans to plan their journey before they arrive at the circuit. Beyond enhancing the fan experience, LIC continues to prioritize responsible and forward-looking operations. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, sustainability remains a cornerstone of the circuit’s operations. This year’s initiatives include recycling stations built from repurposed wood, expanded solar-powered lighting systems, an increase in electric fleet vehicles, and encouraging use of public transport for all ticket holders, and the continuation of a food redistribution program to minimize waste and support local communities.The press conference also highlighted the circuit’s growing commitment to youth and community engagement, including the ongoing Qatar GP Educational Tour, which is connecting students across the country with the world of motorsport through VR pit stops, STEM activities, and interactive simulations of the Lusail international Circuit track. Moreover, LIC confirmed the return of the Volunteer Programme, which will once again engage hundreds of local volunteers across key operational areas. Additionally, LIC is also partnered with University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) to formally engage students in internship programs to provide experience across a wide range of roles in the sports and events management sector, particularly in prestigious motorsport events.Building anticipation across the country, LIC announced that city and in-mall activations will take place throughout the month of November. The Qatar GP Village 2025 will open at Place Vendôme Mall, bringing the spirit of Formula 1® to Doha with VR simulators, holograms, and interactive design challenges. Meanwhile, ten human-sized F1® helmet installations will appear at Old Doha Port, Msheireb, and other landmarks across Doha; transforming the city into a celebration of motorsport and culture.Tickets for the event continue to sell rapidly, with multiple categories already sold out, and fans are encouraged to secure their seats now to be part of what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of racing, music, and celebration. Commenting on the occasion, Abdulaziz Ali al-Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit, said: “The Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix has become a true showcase of Qatar’s innovation and hospitality. This year, we are proud to present not only a world-class race but an entire festival experience that connects technology, culture, education, sustainability and community initiatives. Our goal is to deliver a weekend that celebrates the very best of Qatar and continues to position LIC as a leader in international motorsport.”With the countdown now underway, Lusail International Circuit stands ready to welcome the world once again, offering fans a truly exceptional Formula 1 weekend that captures the excitement of the sport, and the passion that unites motorsport enthusiasts around the globe.

Qatar made their path to the 2026 World Cup more difficult after being held to a drab 0-0 draw by Oman in the opening match of the fourth round of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers Wednesday at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.It was a below-par performance from both teams, as neither Qatar nor Oman showed the urgency expected in such a crucial fixture. The result leaves Qatar and Oman tied on a point each in Group A. To stay in contention for automatic qualification, Qatar will need to defeat the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and rely on the outcome of Saturday’s encounter between Oman and the Emiratis.Only the group winners will earn automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The runners-up will advance to a playoff against the second-placed team from Group B, which is being contested in Saudi Arabia, where Iraq and Indonesia are the other sides.Akram Afif squandered Qatar’s best chance early in the second half, while substitute Mohammed Muntari failed to get enough power on his shot as a resolute Oman held firm to secure a point.Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui had spoken beforehand about the pressure his side is facing in trying to qualify for the World Cup on merit for the first time. The 2022 World Cup hosts have historically struggled in the qualifiers, and that inconsistency resurfaced last night in a disjointed display.Lopetegui, who kept his squad selection under wraps on the eve of the match, handed debuts to 20-year-old Al Gharafa defender Ayoub Aloui and 25-year-old Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. He also left strikers Almoez Ali and Muntari on the bench, opting instead to start with Ahmed al-Ganehi and Edmilson Junior in support of mercurial star Afif.The Spaniard later said his playing XI decisions were influenced by injuries in the squad. “The starting lineup was ideal given the injuries, and all the players gave their best to achieve the desired result,” Lopetegui said after the match.Qatar dominated possession in the first half, with Sultan al-Brake and Edmilson causing early problems for Oman. But it was Carlos Queiroz’s side — seeking their first-ever World Cup appearance — who had the best opportunity when a wayward backpass from al-Brake almost caught out Abunada, forcing the debutant goalkeeper to concede a throw-in under pressure from Issam al-Sabhi.Boualem Khoukhi, who captained Qatar on the night, had the first look at goal in the 13th minute, but the defender’s shot flew wide of the target. Al-Sabhi continued to be Oman’s biggest threat, skipping past his marker with a neat turn in the 27th minute before seeing his powerful left-footed effort comfortably saved by Abunada.Qatar almost capitalised six minutes later when Mohammed al-Mannai slipped a clever ball through to Afif, who tried to catch Oman napping, but goalkeeper Ibrahim al-Rushaidi was alert to the danger and made a solid intervention.Nasser al-Rawahi came close for Oman, glancing a header just over the bar from a corner, while Qatar’s best effort before the break came from Afif, whose shot was easily dealt with by the Omani defence.Afif should have put the hosts ahead soon after the interval when the visitors gifted him possession inside their own half, but the Asian Player of the Year uncharacteristically side-footed wide of the post.Oman nearly punished Qatar in the 69th minute when Abunada rushed off his line to clear a cross, leaving his goal momentarily exposed, but Abdullah Fawaz’s long-range attempt failed to find the target. Almoez was introduced in the 57th minute for al-Ganehi, while Muntari also had a chance in the added time, but both could not inspire Qatar to victory as the teams settled for a share of the spoils.After the match, Lopetegui remained defiant, insisting his team had done enough to win. “We performed well throughout the match against a stubborn team that defended well and closed down spaces. Despite that, we created several opportunities but couldn’t convert them into goals,” the former Spain and Real Madrid coach said.“We will continue to pursue our dream of qualifying for the World Cup. Today’s draw against Oman hasn’t negatively impacted the team or added pressure ahead of the UAE match,” he added.Oman coach Carlos Queiroz — who previously had a brief stint with Qatar — was satisfied to take home a point. “We performed well and managed to stop Qatar’s attacks, which we expected given they were playing at home,” the Portuguese veteran said.“We knew the match would be tough, so we played with high spirit. Despite our solid defence, we also created chances but couldn’t score. A draw is the best result for both teams today. A loss would have hurt our chances of World Cup qualification. We don’t have much time before facing the UAE, but we’ll prepare well to keep our World Cup dream alive,” he added.

Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui has underlined the high stakes and intense pressure surrounding his side’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off match against Oman, which will be played Wednesday at 6pm Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd.The Group A encounter marks the opening round of the fourth stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers, with the United Arab Emirates also part of the group with matches to be played in a single round-robin format. Group B hosts Saudi Arabia will have Iraq and Indonesia for company.Only the group winner is guaranteed automatic qualification to the next year’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico. A final qualifying chance is available to the runners-up of each group, who will square off in a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18. This Knockout Stage will determine the Asian representative at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, where they will have to fend off opponents from other confederations to claim one of two berths.Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match, Lopetegui stressed the importance of mental focus and readiness in this critical stage. “We are heading into a decisive and pivotal stage with two crucial matches requiring the highest levels of mental preparedness,” said the Spanish coach, who took charge of the team in May.The former Spain and Real Madrid manager acknowledged the strength of the Omani side, now led by veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who had a brief stint with Qatar as well.“We will face a strong Omani team, whom we know well and respect, under the leadership of a great coach in Carlos Queiroz. Our goal is to achieve the dream of reaching the World Cup, which will only be achieved by exerting our utmost effort.”While optimistic, Lopetegui made it clear that Qatar’s lineup for the match is not yet finalised, citing ongoing assessments of player fitness and readiness. “We have many different situations, and we must wait until tomorrow to determine the full readiness of the players before selecting the ideal lineup for the first match,” he said.Qatar, who are still finding their rhythm under Lopetegui, will be hoping for a strong start after an uneven run of results — including losses to Lebanon and Russia, and a 2-2 draw with Bahrain in friendlies. Almoez Ali is expected to lead the attack, with creative duties falling to star forward Akram Afif.Lopetegui remained firm in his belief that the squad has what it takes to rise to the occasion — if they channel their focus and energy effectively. “It is important for the players to work hard to achieve this dream. We must work to demonstrate the required balance in order to perform optimally in both matches and harness all our positive energy to achieve victory,” the Spaniard said.Players’ morale is high, says KhoukhiVeteran defender Boualem Khoukhi echoed his coach’s sentiments and emphasised the team’s preparation and determination to start the campaign with a win.“We are ready for the match, which will not be easy. The players' morale is high, and we seek to demonstrate a high degree of focus to achieve victory,” he said.The experienced centre-back acknowledged the challenge posed by Oman but stressed that the players are aware of what’s at stake. “We realise the importance of the two matches, and our focus will now be on the match against Oman. The fans' presence will be a great motivator and incentive for the players to achieve victory and secure our first three points.”With expectations running high and only limited opportunities in the group stage, Boualem made a direct appeal to the supporters and vowed that the team is ready to deliver. “The ball is in the players' court, and we are expecting a large turnout from our fans, and God willing, we will not disappoint.”Oman, meanwhile, will look to continue their progression under Carlos Queiroz. In-form striker Issam al-Sabhi, who scored twice in their most recent win over Qatar during the 2024 Gulf Cup, will be key to their attacking hopes.

The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is set to host a series of National Team Shoot Outs at Lusail International Circuit in October and November 2025, designed to select the most promising Qatari drivers across GT, Formula 4 and Karting. These initiatives mark an important step in QMMF’s commitment to building a structured pathway for homegrown drivers to progress into international competition.The Qatar Motorsport Academy (QMA), recognised as a center of excellence for developing Qatari drivers, will play a key role in this effort by equipping talent with the resources, expertise and exposure needed to advance toward professional racing careers.The first event, the GT Drivers Shoot Out, will take place from October 4–6, 2025, with the aim of selecting a maximum of three drivers to join the QMMF GT program. The competition will be staged on Lusail International Circuit’s Grand Prix layout, using the QMMF 991 Cup car. Renowned Qatari driver Abdulla Al Khelaifi will serve as reference driver and coach for the drivers being assessed.Invited Drivers – GT Shoot OutParticipation is by invitation only, with drivers selected based on their racing records and achievements. The following seven Qatari drivers are confirmed: Faesal Al Yafey (Yaris Cup Winner), Khalid Al Maraghi (Yaris Cup Winner), Ahmad Al Emadi (Front Runner, Spa 12 Hours & Gulf 12 Hours), Taha Hassiba (F4 Middle East 2025), Ali Emadadhi (2nd Overall, QTCC Championship 2024), Ahmed Alasiri (3rd Overall, QTCC Championship 2024) and Jassim Al Thani (GT Drivers Gulf 12 Hours and Dubai 24 Hours).Participants will be evaluated across multiple dimensions, ensuring a holistic approach to talent identification. Factors include motorsport experience and achievements, lap times and consistency over runs, progression and ability to improve during the event, behaviour and attitude on and off the track, attentiveness, application, professionalism as well as overall fitness and mental readiness. Any crash during the evaluation will result in automatic elimination.Following the GT event, QMMF will also host the Karting Shoot Out at Lusail International Circuit in December 2025. As for the Formula 4 Shoot Out, it will be organized from November 3rd to November 5th in Spain. These events will follow the same invitation-based approach and evaluation criteria, ensuring that only the most qualified drivers are considered for national team selection.Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit, said: "Through Shoot Outs we are taking steady steps towards developing the next generation of Qatari drivers. By focusing on the GT, Formula 4, and Karting categories, we are drawing a clear pathway that enables our drivers to reach international competitions, supported by the resources and expertise they need to succeed. These programs reflect our vision to establish a framework of competence and to build a sporting ecosystem capable of competing regionally and internationally, under the umbrella of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation."Together, these programs underline QMMF’s long-term strategy to nurture Qatari talent and expand the nation’s footprint on the global motorsport stage.

By Sahan Bidappa Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Magnus Carlsen is no stranger to pushing boundaries. From becoming the second-youngest grandmaster in history at age 13 at the time to holding the world No. 1 ranking for over a decade, the Norwegian has redefined what modern chess dominance looks like. Now, at 34, Carlsen is entering a new arena as chess makes its debut at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. “I think — hopefully — both parties will benefit, which is usually what a good arrangement does,” Carlsen said in an exclusive interview to Gulf Times in Riyadh. “There are a lot of fans of gaming out there, and gamers who love chess but might not necessarily follow it. They might play it on their phones, but they don’t know who the best players in the world are, or when they’re playing,” he added. “Now, we’re kind of sharing a stage, part of the same experience — part of what 2,000 athletes are doing, and millions are watching. So, in that sense, it’s kind of like being in the Olympics. That’s how I feel. Hopefully, it can be mutually beneficial.” Carlsen, along with Fabiano Caruana, signed with Team Liquid earlier this year — becoming two of the first top-tier grandmasters to commit to the new esports-chess crossover. Last week, the Dutch esports giants added a third name to their roster: 19-year-old Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa. Currently ranked No. 4 in the world, Praggnanandhaa was one of the few elite players yet to sign with an esports team. His arrival now makes Team Liquid the most formidable lineup heading into Riyadh, featuring three of the world’s top grandmasters. Team Liquid’s roster may now be complete, but the qualification race isn’t over. While Carlsen and Caruana are among the 12 players already locked in for the EWC main event (July 29–August 1), Praggnanandhaa is expected to compete in the Last Chance Qualifier, held from July 24-26 in the Saudi capital. There, he’ll go up against other elite hopefuls, including GMs Andrew Tang, Oleksandr Bortnyk, Alexey Sarana, and Aravindh Chithambaram, for one of four remaining spots. For Carlsen, this moment isn’t just about rosters and rivalries — it’s about a wider transformation in the game itself. “I’m sure there are chess fans who will tune in to other games and start playing those as well. But for chess, I think it’s a great opportunity. And for me, it’s not only about that — it’s also about the fact that chess, especially faster chess, is tailor-made for an esports setting. It’s kind of a natural evolution of where our game has been going,” he said. It’s a natural fit for a player who has made rapid and blitz formats his own in recent years. Since stepping away from the classical World Championship cycle in 2022, Carlsen has doubled down on speed chess. In 2024 alone, he added a four Speed Chess Championship title to his name and swept the field at the Grenke Freestyle Open, scoring a perfect 9/9. “I think it’s natural, in keeping with the times, that more and more of chess will resemble the mode most people play which is faster chess and it is often online. Slower forms of chess will definitely still have a role to play, but I think it’s very natural for the game to keep getting faster. As for myself, I have my own preferences — I won’t get too much into that — but yes, I’m very happy playing faster chess,” Carlsen added. And there’s serious money on the line. The Esports World Cup Chess tournament will be played in a 10-minute rapid format with no increment, offering a total of $1.5mn in prize money. Every player who qualifies for the main event earns $50,000 just for participating. It’s one of the richest online chess events in history — and just one part of a larger $70mn prize pool spread across 26 games in Riyadh. “I think it’s great — for the players, for the fans, for everything. It makes the event more prestigious when there’s more at stake, for sure,” Carslen says. The Norwegian arrives in Riyadh fresh off a win at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia, a Grand Chess Tour event he claimed despite admitting he wasn’t at his sharpest. It was his 10th win in 12 GCT rapid and blitz events — a staggering record. Still, he says the Esports World Cup presents a unique challenge. “Well, I’ve won both of the qualifying events. But I think this will feel a bit different — bigger, more intense. And we all know that one bad moment in one game can make a huge difference. I’m not at the stage in my life where I enter a tournament and don’t think I have a very good chance to win. So I will think that here as well — but it’s not going to be easy, for sure,” Carlsen admits. Though he’s often hailed as the greatest to ever play the game, Carlsen remains grounded about what makes him special. “I don’t consider myself a genius at all. I’m just a simple guy who plays the move that feels most natural — and often, that turns out to be right. I feel blessed to be in a position where I understand the game well. “I still demand a lot from myself. I can’t tell you exactly why it is — I just understand the game a little differently, maybe a bit better than my colleagues. But what exactly makes that so? I think I’ll never know,” Carlsen admits in his own inimitable style.

The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) was officially launched in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, officially marking the start of the world’s largest esports and gaming festival. Running until August 24, the event features more than 2,000 elite players, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million, cementing its status as the biggest and most significant esports event ever staged. EWC 2025 brings together the world’s top 200 Clubs to compete in a first-of-its-kind cross-title format. At the heart of the competition is the Club Championship, where teams accumulate points across multiple games to become the EWC Club Champion, claim a $7 million grand prize and hoist the coveted EWC Club Championship trophy. The $70+ million prize pool also includes $38+ million for individual Game Championships, $5 million in global qualifier rewards, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses. Speaking at the opening press conference, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman, Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Guided by the ambitious vision and leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is cementing its position as a global leader in gaming and esports. The Esports World Cup is a clear reflection of that progress. We are immensely proud to welcome back the world in Riyadh for the Esports World Cup. This event stands as a global milestone for esports by showcasing the scale, ambition, and future of competitive gaming. It is a moment that will shape the direction of the industry for years to come.” He continued: “Hosting this event reflects our deep commitment to building a world-class, sustainable esports ecosystem. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s belief in the power of gaming to connect, inspire, and create meaningful opportunities for future generations. It also supports our broader ambition to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global hub for sports, gaming, and entertainment in line with Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. Esports is no longer niche. It is a global sport, a cultural movement, and the Esports World Cup is its most powerful and unifying stage. We are honoured to lead this transformation and shape the future of the industry from here in Saudi Arabia.” Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “EWC 2025 is about bringing the gaming world together - iconic games, elite players, and millions of fans around a shared celebration. Through new ways of global broadcasts, original shows, and documentary storytelling, we’re opening doors, creating opportunities, and sharing esports in new and exciting ways. With record-breaking competition, this summer is special—not just for gamers, but for everyone who joins us.” Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “The Esports World Cup is redefining what’s possible in esports. It brings together the world’s top teams to compete in the most iconic and advanced arenas, delivering a level of excitement that is unmatched across the industry. Through EWC, the world has witnessed inspiring stories of triumph, heartbreak and glory, for players, teams and communities across the world. He continued: "The event is also a powerful platform for leading publishers, brands and creators to connect with global audiences and shape the future of esports. As we look ahead to EWC 2025, we invite the world to be part of what comes next. Together, we are setting new standards, creating new opportunities and driving the industry forward." On Thursday, the Esports World Cup kicks off with a star-studded Opening Ceremony featuring Post Malone, DINO of SEVENTEEN, and Alesso launching a summer of elite competition and world-class entertainment in Riyadh.

As the 2024 Diamond League season wrapped up in Brussels last September, Julian Weber left a message on Neeraj Chopra’s Instagram post that read: “Such a great season bro. Next year, 90m will be easy for us.”By his lofty standards, Chopra had endured a below-par year. The Indian superstar fell short of defending both his Olympic gold in Paris and his Diamond League title, settling for second place on both occasions. In a reflective post, Chopra vowed to come back stronger in the new season — prompting the encouraging message from Weber.Last night, during the Doha Diamond League meeting at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium, both men made good on that promise. In a thrilling contest, Weber and Chopra breached the 90-metre barrier for the first time in their careers — achieving the dream of every elite thrower who has ever picked up the spear.It was Chopra who crossed the mark first, launching his third throw of the night to a new national record of 90.23m as he let out a roar and raised his arms in his inimitable style. But Weber stole his rival’s thunder in dramatic fashion, unleashing a stunning final-round throw into the night sky of 91.06m to clinch the win.Both men had crossed the 89-metre mark on several occasions in recent years — Chopra with a PB of 89.94m and Weber with 89.54m, both dating back to 2022. The slight tailwind blowing toward the Doha Corniche offered ideal conditions, and the duo seized the moment, becoming the 25th and 26th men in history to throw beyond 90 metres.Chopra couldn’t improve on his third effort and closed out his series with a solid 88.20m. Weber, however, finished with a flourish — throwing 89.84m in round five before his world-leading 91.06m in the final round. Two-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Anderson Peters finished third with a best of 85.64m.It marked just the seventh time in history that two men have thrown beyond 90 metres in the same javelin competition. Weber now climbs to 17th on the world all-time list, while Chopra sits at 24th.“I don’t know how that happened,” said Weber, the 2022 European champion. “The previous weeks weren’t that good for me, but today I just felt great. It also was the winning throw in the last round, so it came out really perfect.“The conditions here in Doha with the backwind are great for us javelin throwers. If you make the right adjustments and throw a little higher, it just flies great. I was really happy for Neeraj because he had been fighting for that 90-metre throw for some time, and it was really special to achieve it tonight,” the German added.For Chopra, it was more a sense of relief than celebration — the pressure of chasing the elusive mark finally lifted. But the affable Indian believes this is just the beginning of bigger throws still in his arsenal“It is a little bit of a bittersweet result. I am very happy for the 90m, but this second place — it actually happened to me also when I competed in Turku and in Stockholm. I threw 89.94 and I was always second. And also here. I broke the national record and got second today,” said the 27-year-old.“But I am also very happy for Julian Weber. He threw 91, so we both broke 90m for the first time today. We have been trying this for so many years, so finally, we managed to get it. This was just the first competition of the year, so I am confident that in the next competitions, I will throw farther.“I was very confident today, and I expected Julian to get a massive throw as he was very consistent with his attempts. I told him that today is the day when we both can break the 90m mark. It is like a boost for us, and we will go far also next time,” Chopra added.The Asian champion also revealed that his new coach Jan Zelezny, had told him that a “big throw” was just around the corner. And if anyone should know, it’s Zelezny — the legendary Czech has hurled the javelin beyond 90 metres an astonishing 52 times and still holds the world record of 98.48 metres, set in 1996.“I feel very good that Jan Zelezny is my coach now, and we worked very hard in South Africa. We are still working on a few things and learning. Normally, he does not go to the Diamond Leagues, but he came with me to Doha because he told me that today is the day to achieve 90m,” Chopra said.With the recent arrivals of Weber and Chopra into the 90-metre club — and Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, who skipped the Doha Diamond League, also in the mix — the javelin competition at the World Championships in Tokyo this September promises to be an enticing contest. A 90-metre throw might not even be enough for gold. Only time will tell.

Qatar’s high jump icon Mutaz Barshim will miss the Doha Diamond League meet on Friday (May 16, 2025) in front of home fans, but that didn’t stop him from being his cheerful self on the eve of the event. A lingering injury has sidelined the four-time Olympic medallist from competing at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium — just as it did last Friday at the ‘What Gravity Challenge’, his own innovative event launched last year.Despite the setback, Barshim was in high spirits as he addressed reporters on Thursday, outlining his immediate plans and firmly ruling out a fifth Olympic appearance at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.“I’ve been to four Olympics and got four medals. I shouldn’t be greedy. I’m happy,” said the 33-year-old, who has been hampered by injuries in recent years.“I have been away all my life. My first Diamond League was in 2011, and my first international competition was in 2006, so basically, all my life I’ve been in the sport. I feel it’s time to give more back to my family. But honestly, wherever I go, I’m asked this question — whether I’ll compete in one more Olympics. From picking up my son at school to visiting a restaurant — people keep asking. I really appreciate that because it means people support me and want me to do well. But I stay firm. To this day, I stay firm — I think no more Olympics for me,” Barshim said.Undoubtedly Qatar’s greatest sporting hero, Barshim said his immediate goal is this year’s World Championships in Tokyo, with the Asian Games next year in Japan also on his radar. “Tokyo World Championship is definitely the main target. I’m working towards that. The Asian Games are close to my heart, and I want to do one more,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.These are the words of a man in the twilight of a legendary career. So it’s especially disappointing that home fans won’t get the chance to see him in action this year — a sentiment Barshim himself shares.“I want to jump at home. This is the place I care about most,” he said. “It was really difficult not to jump last week, and it’s the same again here. We have responsibilities in this sport; we put our bodies on the line and part of that includes dealing with injuries. If you don’t push yourself to the limit, you never know how far you can go.”Barshim also praised the new meeting record incentives, including a $5,000 bonus on offer for athletes in Doha. “Track and field isn’t an easy job,” he said. “It’s tough out there, and when it comes to the financial part of the sport, you can be fourth or fifth in the world and still need a job when you retire. Change is good, and we’re moving in the right direction.”Still at the start of his promising career, reigning Olympic champion Hamish Kerr admitted he grew up watching and supporting Barshim. “To see him lead the way in our sport is inspiring,” the Kiwi said on Thursday. “The high jump is very open right now and, for me, at this time, it’s about learning from each competition and building. Physically I’m in really good shape but I’ve not yet been able to fully connect — but that’s what’s so good about having these chances to compete.”The 28-year-old Kerr won the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships with a national record and Oceania best of 2.36m, upgrading his 2022 bronze. He matched that height in Paris, winning Olympic gold after a jump-off. The Commonwealth champion most recently finished second in the 2025 World Indoors.The high jump meeting record in Doha — which belongs to Barshim, of course — stands at 2.40m. As the conversation turned to what might be possible tonight, and who could leave with the $5,000 bonus, Barshim turned to the young pretender and smiled: “If you jump 2.41m, I’ll triple that for you!”As Barshim had the last laugh, Kerr knew exactly what it meant: the legend may be stepping aside, but the bar — quite literally — has been set.

DOHA: Marc Marquez passed his toughest test of the season with flying colours, powering to a dramatic victory under the lights at the Lusail International Circuit in the Qatar MotoGP.In a frenetic 22-lap race, the Ducati star survived a first-lap collision with his younger brother Alex and clawed his way back through the field to take the win, finishing 1.8 seconds ahead of Maverick Vinales. However, Vinales, riding for Tech3 KTM, was later handed a harsh 16-second penalty for a tyre pressure infraction, dropping him from a surprise second place to 14th.That promoted Marc’s factory Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia to second – an impressive recovery after starting 11th – while Franco Morbidelli, on the VR46 Ducati, secured the final podium spot, his second in three races.Coming into the weekend, Marquez wasn’t tipped to shine at Lusail – a circuit where he hadn’t won in MotoGP since 2014. But the 32-year-old defied expectations, completing a dominant double with both the sprint and Grand Prix victories, making it seven wins in eight races this season. His only blemish remains a crash while leading in Austin.Marquez’s race nearly ended at Turn 1 on the opening lap, when he and Alex, riding a Gresini Ducati, made contact. Marc lost a winglet from his bike and briefly dropped behind Morbidelli. He later admitted it was his fault. “Luckily both of us stayed on our bikes,” he added.At one stage, Marc found himself trailing Morbidelli, Bagnaia, and Vinales. But with strategic tyre management, he bided his time before surging back into the lead with seven laps to go, ultimately taking the chequered flag well clear of the field.“I said before the race, I need to manage the tyres,” said Marc. “For that reason, in the first part of the race I was quiet. When Pecco (Bagnaia) came up to me, I thought, ‘Right, let’s start to race.’ Big surprise when Maverick overtook me – I thought it was (Pedro) Acosta because normally he is the fastest on KTM. He was super fast, but I had that margin for the end. Victory in Qatar is amazing,” he added.The victory moved Marc up to 123 points at the top of the riders’ standings, 17 points ahead of Alex, while Bagnaia is third on 97 points.Alex’s night didn’t improve after the early contact. The Spaniard was later involved in another collision – this time with VR46 Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio– which saw both riders lose positions.Alex immediately put his hand up to apologise, and the stewards handed him a long-lap penalty that dropped him down to 12th, ending his hopes of a podium after having finished second in every sprint and race this season. He eventually came home seventh.Reigning champion Jorge Martin, returning to action for the first time since a series of bone-breaking pre-season crashes, slid out with eight laps to go.Still troubled by his left hand, the Spaniard knelt in the gravel, head bowed in frustration. He was later taken to hospital for further tests.Fabio Quartararo faded from the front row to finish eighth on his factory Yamaha, while Acosta and Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi completed the top 10. Luca Marini was 11th for Honda, with Tech3’s Enea Bastianini, Yamaha’s Alex Rins, KTM’s Brad Binder and Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura rounding out the points. Di Giannantonio was 16th after his clash with Alex.Piqueras prevails in nail-biting Moto3 victoryThe Moto3 race delivered edge-of-your-seat action over 16 laps, with Angel Piqueras of FRINSA - MT Helmets - MSI emerging victorious. In an incredibly close finish, Taiyo Furusato from Honda Team Asia took second just 0.009 seconds behind, while Piqueras’ teammate Ryusei Yamanaka completed the podium only 0.042 seconds off the lead.The Moto2 class also delivered intense competition over 18 laps. Aron Canet, riding for Fantic Motor, claimed victory ahead of Deniz Oncü of Red Bull KTM Ajo, while pole-sitter Manuel Gonzalez from Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP settled for third after leading from the front of the grid.

DOHA: Marc Marquez will take some stopping this season after the Ducati rider continued his brilliant start by winning his fourth consecutive sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix last night. The Spaniard, who has traditionally struggled at the Lusail International Circuit, was in imperious form —having earlier taken pole position with an all-time lap record — and proved too strong on the night.His younger brother, Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing, once again had to settle for second place —the fourth time he’s done so this season. VR46 Racing’s Franco Morbidelli finished third, while Alex’s rookie teammate, Fermin Aldeguer, delivered an impressive ride to claim fourth — his best-ever result in MotoGP.Marc’s victory catapulted him to the top of the championship standings with 98 points, two ahead of Alex. And it’s increasingly looking ominous for his rivals, as the 32-year-old is now the clear favourite for tonight’s 22-lap Grand Prix — and perhaps for the rest of the season.Marc had expected Alex and teammate Francesco Bagnaia to be faster than him this weekend. But aside from a brief swapping of places with Alex, Marquez was in total control of the 11-lap sprint at Lusail.Bagnaia, meanwhile, endured a miserable day. First, he crashed in Qualifying 2, leaving him 11th on the grid. Then, he struggled for pace in the sprint, with the double world champion only able to salvage eighth place. Bagnaia now trails Marc by 21 points in the championship. “It’s an unexpected weekend, honestly speaking, because as you know I normally struggle here in Qatar,” Marc said later. “But I’m riding in a very good way, I was super consistent in the Sprint, controlling the gap. And then, in the last two laps, I slowed down, but I feel very good with the bike. Tomorrow, let’s see if we can improve very small things for the race.”Marc had a blistering start off the line, but there was a brief moment of drama at the start of lap two when Alex snuck through at Turn 1. The move didn’t stick, though, as Alex ran a little wide and Marc immediately pounced to retake the lead.Alex kept the pressure on, repeatedly shaping for a move at the same corner over the next few laps, but Marc’s pace proved decisive. “I tried in that first lap, I had a little bit more. I wanted to make the gap with the riders behind me, to be more calm and then to fight with him,” Alex said. “But he was better than me. It’s just that he was more brave in some parts.”Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo got the launch he needed from the front row and slotted into third behind the Marquez brothers. But the Frenchman couldn’t hold onto it for long, with Morbidelli charging through on the main straight to take over the final podium spot — and never looked back.Lower down the order, reigning champion Jorge Martin was racing in his first sprint on the Aprilia after missing the opening three rounds due to injuries sustained in a pre-season crash.Martin had started 14th on the grid but soon moved up to battle with Bagnaia, as rookie Ai Ogura also passed the Italian. However, Martin — still coming to terms with his new machine after switching from Pramac Racing to Aprilia — could not sustain that pace and eventually fell behind, finishing outside the points in 16th place.Fabio Di Giannantonio completed the top six on the sister VR46 Ducati, while Trackhouse rookie Ai Ogura battled his way to seventh on his Aprilia. Marco Bezzecchi took the final point in ninth for the factory Aprilia team.That came at the expense of KTM pair Maverick Viñales and Pedro Acosta, whose soft tyre choice saw them fade out of the points by the time the chequered flag fell. LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco was the only retirement, pulling out on lap nine due to rear tyre issues. Factory Honda rider Joan Mir did not take the start due to illness. His physical condition will be assessed today before a decision is made on his participation in the Grand Prix.

DOHA: It’s been a frustrating two months for Jorge Martin. The reigning MotoGP world champion has been forced to watch from the sidelines as his rivals battle for early supremacy in the first three rounds of the new season.The Spaniard, who won last year’s title with Pramac Ducati, barely had a feel for his new Aprilia bike when he crashed and sustained hand and foot fractures during pre-season testing in Sepang, Malaysia, in February.Since then, the Marquez brothers have dominated. Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez leads the championship with 87 points, followed by his brother Marc on the factory Ducati with 86. Marc’s teammate and two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia is third with 75 points.While Martin has a lot of catching up to do, he’s not yet thinking about the title race after passing a medical check on Thursday to make his Aprilia race debut at the Qatar Grand Prix. In fact, the 27-year-old admitted to having “a few nerves” and said that simply finishing the weekend would be a huge success.He had completed only 13 laps on Aprilia’s bike before the crash. “It’s been a difficult two months. I’ve been working a lot to be here today. I don’t know what to expect. I don’t feel 100% yet. I have good strength but still feel pain. So let’s see what the weekend brings and try to adapt a little more to the Aprilia,” he said at the Lusail International Circuit on Thursday.“I will take it session by session, day by day. I don’t know if I’ll even be able to finish the weekend. For me, just to do that will be a big success. I just need time to recover, get used to the bike, and then let’s see — in two or three months, everything will be on point again, and maybe I can fight with these three riders,” he added, referring to Alex and Marc Marquez and Bagnaia, who sat alongside him at the press conference.Meanwhile, fellow Spaniard Marc Marquez will be looking to get back on track after a crash at the USA MotoGP in Austin scuppered his perfect start to the season. Forced to retire from the main race, the Ducati rider lost his top spot in the world championship standings in the process.Starting from pole position, Marc had won the sprint race and looked on course for his sixth victory in as many races this season before suffering his first setback of the year. “Ending a near-perfect weekend with this crash inevitably leaves a bitter taste,” the 32-year-old said on Thursday.“This is racing. The good thing is that we crashed while leading the race by two and a half seconds, and I was riding really well,” he added. “Yeah, I made a mistake — but I know why: I slowed down too much at Turn 3 and then entered too early at Turn 4. But okay, it happened. The good thing is that despite that big mistake, we are still second in the championship, just one point behind the leader. So here, it feels like everything restarts, and let’s see what we can do during the weekend.”Marc hasn’t won the Qatar GP since 2014, which remains his only victory at Lusail in the premier class, and he hasn’t been on the podium there since 2019. He admitted the Qatar GP is “theoretically” the first race of 2025 where Alex and Bagnaia “are better than me.”“It’s the first circuit that, theoretically, Alex and Pecco are better than me, based on historic results. But let’s see what I can do. If I’m competitive, it will be a very good sign for me. If not, I’ll try to work to improve,” he said.Two-time world champion Bagnaia, who took advantage of Marc’s crash to win his first race of the season in Austin, is braced for another showdown with the Marquez brothers. The Italian, who was expected at the start of the year to be Marc’s leading rival on the grid’s most powerful bike, has so far struggled to challenge the Spaniard’s dominance. He’ll now be hoping to build on his Austin win at the Lusail Circuit, where he won last year.Bagnaia is aiming to build momentum at a Lusail track better suited to his riding style. “It was great to have that kind of performance at a tough track for me,” Bagnaia said of his win in Austin. “This is a better circuit, more suitable for my riding style. I like the track; I like the layout.“We know that I won in Austin because of Marc’s crash. He was gaining tenths every lap. My potential was to finish second. Then he crashed, and the only objective was to win,” Bagnaia added.The Qatar GP, which traditionally opens the MotoGP season in March, was postponed to April due to Ramadan.

Despite Real Madrid’s struggles in recent times, this was a result that was never in doubt. The Spanish giants brushed past Mexican side Pachuca to clinch the Intercontinental Cup title at Lusail Stadium last night.Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr scored a goal each, with Rodrygo adding another after a spectacular solo effort, as Real capped off an exceptional year with yet another title. Against underdogs Pachuca, Real faced an opponent well below their level. Still, as coach Carlo Ancelotti had warned on the eve of the match: “Every game is a trap, particularly the Cup ones.”Madrid started off slow, but once they warmed up on a cold night, the La Liga and Champions League holders ran away with the title — their ninth global trophy, including three in the original Intercontinental Cup format and five FIFA Club World Cups. Ancelotti, who has been under pressure for his team’s underwhelming performances this season, became the most decorated coach in Real Madrid’s history with his 15th title, surpassing the 14 trophies won by Miguel Munoz, who managed the Spanish powerhouse in the 1960s and ’70s.“I am very happy, it is natural,” the 65-year-old Ancelotti said. “We did the things we prepared, and this made the difference. Everyone played a good match. I am very happy. It was a match that, in the middle of the season, could have caused problems, and instead, we deservedly won it. We didn’t get off to a good start but finished well, showing great attitude.”The Italian coach will hope that last night’s victory helps regroup his side, which has struggled defensively this season – not least due to the absence of defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, both sidelined long-term with ACL tears.Currently sitting third in La Liga with 37 points from 17 games, Real trail leaders Barcelona by just one point, although Barca have played an additional game. Their Champions League campaign, however, remains precarious, with automatic progression to the Round of 16 far from guaranteed.Ancelotti will also be pleased with the performances of Mbappe and Vinícius, who combined for the opening goal. The French star, who missed Madrid’s 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday due to a thigh problem, played 62 minutes without any visible discomfort. Meanwhile, Vinícius played the full match, having returned from injury during Tuesday’s Champions League win in Bergamo.Exactly two years to the day after his iconic hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final at the same venue — which France lost to Argentina on penalties — Mbappe opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Jude Bellingham’s perfectly timed pass set up Vinícius, who mesmerised with dazzling footwork to evade Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno. The Brazilian then squared the ball to Mbappe, who calmly slotted it into an empty net.Pachuca had started the game with promise, as Luis Rodríguez tested Thibaut Courtois early on with a powerful drive, but the Belgian goalkeeper was equal to the task. Madrid gradually took control, and Mbappe nearly doubled the lead with a fierce 20-yard shot that narrowly missed the target.The European champions doubled their advantage early in the second half when Rodrygo unleashed a sublime curling effort from the edge of the box in the 52nd minute. A brief VAR review followed to determine whether Bellingham, standing in an offside position, interfered with the play. The referee deemed otherwise, allowing the goal to stand.Pachuca, to their credit, refused to fold under pressure. Captain Salomon Rondon came close to reducing the deficit twice — first with a perfectly struck free-kick saved by Courtois and then with a header that skimmed just over the bar.Real Madrid, however, ensured victory was beyond doubt in the closing stages. Vinícius, fresh off being named The Best FIFA Men’s Player after missing out on the Ballon d’Or, converted an 84th-minute penalty after Oussama Idrissi fouled Lucas Vazquez in the box.Rodrygo had special praise for Vinícius, calling his countryman “an example of resilience.” He said: “I’ve been following Vini since he started in Brazil. We never played against each other in the professional league, only with youth teams,” said the forward. “We’ve always talked about all the difficulties he had in the beginning. He is an example of resilience, for everything he went through, and now he has become the best player in the world. I’m always happy for my friend’s achievements, especially after seeing his work every day.”Pachuca, winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup, defeated CAF Champions League holders Al Ahly of Egypt to reach the final. Real, however, did not take part in the earlier rounds. Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada admitted his side failed to capitalise on their opportunities and paid the price. “We had our chances, but their efficiency was decisive. We had opportunities and couldn’t capitalize on them. Many young players gained their first international experience throughout the tournament. It was an amazing experience. Of course, we wanted to win the final, but the effort was outstanding,” Almada said.This is the first edition of the FIFA-backed Intercontinental Cup, which broadly maintains the format of the previous Club World Cup. The latter is being expanded to include 32 teams in 2025 and will now be played every four years. A past version of the Intercontinental Cup ran from 1960 to 2004, involving the champions of Europe and South America.Madrid are set to play Pachuca again at next year’s Club World Cup in the United States, alongside an Al Hilal team featuring Neymar and Red Bull Salzburg. Carlo Ancelotti’s side will host Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday in their final game of the year. They are scheduled to return to the Middle East in early January for the four-team Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Crisis is a word rarely associated with Real Madrid or their coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, the current season has tested that narrative. Following a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Champions League in the last week of November, the Spanish giants have managed three wins and one draw in their last five matches across all competitions.Currently sitting third in La Liga with 37 points from 17 games, Real trail leaders Barcelona by just one point, although Barca have played an additional game.Their Champions League campaign, however, remains precarious, with automatic progression to the Round of 16 far from guaranteed.The season began on a high note with Ancelotti steering Madrid to a UEFA Super Cup victory over Atalanta. But inconsistency has since plagued a side that welcomed French forward Kylian Mbappe into their ranks after last season’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs. A humiliating 4-0 loss to Barcelona in October, disappointing performances against lower-tier league opponents, and Champions League defeats to Liverpool, AC Milan, and Lille have raised serious doubts about Ancelotti’s tenure. Despite signing a contract extension last year amid speculation linking him to Brazil’s national team, Ancelotti’s future beyond this season could hinge on securing major silverware.His current deal runs until 2026, but a trophyless campaign might spell the end of his second stint in Madrid.Tonight, Ancelotti has a chance to breathe life into his team’s floundering season when Madrid face Mexican side Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final at Lusail Stadium. Victory over Pachuca would see Ancelotti become Real Madrid’s most successful manager, surpassing the legendary Miguel Munoz, who won 14 titles during his tenure from 1960-1974.Ahead of the final, the 65-year-old addressed the intense scrutiny surrounding his team, explaining that football doesn’t always follow expectations, especially after such a successful campaign last year.“As I said, I understand the criticism because Real Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League last season, then they signed the best player in the world in the summer. So everyone’s thinking it’s going to be a walk in the park. That’s not how football works. Football is about fighting in every game, understanding you can’t control everything all the time,” he said“We can’t control the results of the games. Sometimes you deserve to win and you don’t; others, you deserve to lose but you win. I think that’s the source of this criticism, the fact that this team had such a fantastic season last term and then signed the best player in the world. One plus one is two, but it’s not always the way it goes in football,” he added.Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge posed by Pachuca, saying: “Every game is a potential banana skin. Pachuca are here because they’ve earned it, beating Botafogo and Al Ahly. We respect their quality. Finals are emotional, and we have to ensure the team is well-prepared.”Madrid have endured significant injury setbacks, with defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao sidelined long-term due to ACL tears, and David Alaba yet to return from a similar injury. Mbappe, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga are also dealing with short-term fitness issues. Vinicius Junior is also part of the squad having made his return from injury in Tuesday’s Champions League win in Bergamo.Mbappe, who has scored 12 goals this season, missed Madrid’s 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday due to a thigh problem but has been included in the squad for the final against Pachuca. The France international, who trained yesterday at the Lusail Stadium, has primarily been deployed as a centre-forward at Madrid and is yet to rediscover the form that saw him score 44 goals for PSG last term.Ancelotti expressed cautious optimism about Mbappe’s availability. The Italian said: “It’s simple: yesterday he trained well, he felt good. He did some sprints and everything went well. Today is an important training session, where we will evaluate his feelings and the risk. If he is fine, after speaking with the doctors, he will play. If there is a minimal risk, obviously not. But his feelings yesterday were very good. We are optimistic.” Pachuca’s continental crown secured their place at the FIFA Derby of the Americas, which meant they still had two more games to win to reach this tournament’s showpiece. The Mexican outfit did just that, with a 3-0 reverse of Botafogo on December 11 at the Stadium 974, followed up three days later by a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Al Ahly after the match had finished goalless at the same venue. Their unshakeable belief and undoubted quality has carried Pachuca this far and makes it a fascinating match-up with Real Madrid.Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying: “We’re coming into the game with a heavy load of matches and we’ve played a lot in different tournaments. We’ve had very few holidays. We’ve been trying to inject intensity into our game by refreshing certain aspects. It’s been going well for us and we hope to continue on this path.”He added: “It’s a final, and no matter who we’re up against... Real Madrid is one of the most recognised brands in the world. The most publicised. There are always rivals that provoke certain feelings, and without a doubt, a team of this calibre is one of them.”Almada also praised Ancelotti’s accomplishments while expressing his intent to deny the Italian coach another trophy. “What can I say about him? Any compliments I could offer, he has more than earned. He is currently one of the greats, with an impressive record. We will try to make sure that he is not the manager with the most titles in history,” he said.“This is football. History doesn’t play the game; the teams on the pitch do. We’ll aim to defend our dream and compete against one of the world’s most iconic clubs. Real Madrid is a great team, but we must focus on our strengths.”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen maintained his composure in a frantic race as the reigning four-time world champion won his second successive Qatar Grand Prix Sunday.The Lusail International Circuit is known for being one of the fastest tracks in Formula 1, but the race was slowed down multiple times with safety car deployed three times. There were also numerous incidents and a penalty for McLaren’s Lando Norris, which relegated the Brit to 10th place after battling for the lead with Verstappen.Charles Leclerc took second place, the Ferrari driver crossing the line six seconds back from Verstappen, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri completed the podium in third, adding to his Saturday Sprint victory. George Russell was Mercedes’ sole points-scorer in fourth, ahead of Pierre Gasly who held off Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to take a solid fifth for Alpine.Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso was seventh, while Sauber scored their first points in a year courtesy of the outgoing Zhou Guanyu, who capitalised on the mayhem to finish a brilliant eighth. Kevin Magnussen took ninth for Haas ahead of Norris, was hit with a 10-second stop/go penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags.At one point, it seemed McLaren might secure their first Constructors' Championship since 1998 in Qatar, with both Norris and Piastri battling for podium positions. However, following Norris' penalty, Ferrari narrowed McLaren's lead from 30 points to just 21. The Constructors' title will now be decided at the season finale in Abu Dhabi next week.Verstappen, who had been demoted to second on the grid from pole position after impeding Russell in qualifying, wasted no time in asserting his dominance as the lights went out. The Dutchman swiftly overtook Russell into Turn 1 and never looked back, with Norris able to follow him through in second.Despite the ongoing chaos behind him, Verstappen maintained a mature and steady drive, clinching his ninth win of the season. "It was a very good race, the car was a lot better,” said Verstappen, as he celebrated by jumping into the arms of his Red Bull crew and his family.“That first stint was very, very fast - me and Lando (Norris) were pushing each other, always within 1.8 secs and it was a lot of fun out there. A few Safety Car moments, but very happy. It's been a while in the dry since we've been this competitive. It got a bit spicy into Turn 1 with Norris but very happy to win here,” he added.It was Nico Hulkenberg, struggling on hard tires after every driver had opted for medium, who started the incident-packed Grand Prix. The Haas driver locked up and collided with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, who in turn was hit by Williams' Franco Colapinto. While the incident triggered the first Safety Car, it forced both Ocon and Colapinto to retire from the race. Hulkenberg was able to pit and continue, but the damage had already been done for the others. Alex Albon also suffered a spin after contact with Lance Stroll at Turn 4 with the latter retiring a few laps later.Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton had a challenging start, dropping from sixth to ninth after a suspected jump start. He was penalised for the infraction and given a five-second penalty, though he did manage to gain a position back at the restart, overtaking Alonso into Turn 1.Russell became the first driver to pit on lap 23, but a slow seven-second stop put him behind Piastri, as the McLaren driver closed the gap.The race saw further drama when a loose wing mirror from Albon’s Williams was sent flying across the track, forcing a yellow flag. Valtteri Bottas, while trying to avoid the debris, ran over it, damaging his car and leading to a puncture for both him and Sainz on the following lap. This incident relegated Hamilton and Sainz to the back of the pack and prompted the deployment of another Safety Car.As the track was cleared and the Safety Car came in, Verstappen led from Norris and Leclerc, with Piastri and Sergio Perez completing the top five. Perez, however, reported a loss of power in his Red Bull and was forced to retire after spinning at Turn 15. Hulkenberg’s earlier incident also resulted in a Safety Car, further prolonging the interruptions.At the restart, Norris tried to challenge Verstappen for the lead but was forced to the outside. Russell, meanwhile, climbed back into the top five during the restart.Norris, however, would soon find himself in trouble. He was investigated for failing to slow under yellow flags when the wing mirror was on track, receiving a 10-second stop/go penalty.Norris rejoined in 15th, 16 seconds behind Liam Lawson, while Hamilton's luck worsened with a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane.Despite the setbacks, Guanyu was promoted to eighth place, a promising result for Sauber as they sought their first points of the season. Norris, battling back from his penalty, fought through the pack and managed to recover to 10th by the end of the race.In the final twist of the night, Russell was handed a five-second penalty for a Safety Car infringement but held onto his position, finishing ahead of Gasly by seven seconds.But there were no worries up ahead for Verstappen, who avoided the mayhem that unfolded around him to come out on top.Qatar Grand Prix 2024: Race classification1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 57 laps2 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +6.0313 Oscar Piastri McLaren +6.8194 George Russell Mercedes +14.1045 Pierre Gasly Alpine +16.7826 Carlos Sainz Ferrari +17.4767 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +19.8678 Zhou Guanyu Kick Sauber +25.3609 Kevin Magnussen Haas F1 Team +32.17710 Lando Norris McLaren +35.76211 Valtteri Bottas Kick Sauber +50.24312 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +56.12213 Yuki Tsunoda VCARB +61.10014 Liam Lawson VCARB +62.65615 Alexander Albon Williams +1 lapDid not finishNico Hulkenberg, Haas F1 TeamSergio Perez, Red Bull RacingLance Stroll, Aston MartinFranco Colapinto, WilliamsEsteban Ocon, Alpine