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The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced ticket sales for the fourth round of Group A matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to be held in Doha from October 8 to 14, 2025.Group A brings together Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, with all fixtures to be held Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The opening match on October 8 will see Qatar face Oman at 8pm, followed by the UAE against Oman on October 11 at 8:15pm, while the final match on October 14 will pit Qatar against the UAE, also at 8:15pm. Group B matches, involving Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia, will be staged in Jeddah during the same period.The QFA confirmed that tickets for Qatari fans for the clash with Oman will go on sale on September 29, while tickets for the UAE fixture will be available from October 9. Prices have been set at QR60 for first category and QR25 riyals for second category, with a maximum of six tickets permitted per person. Tickets can be purchased exclusively online at tickets.qfa.qa, while fans with disabilities can request access via [email protected] for Emirati fans are being handled by the UAE Football Association, with a limited number for the UAE-Oman encounter to be released on October 1. Allocations for Omani fans, handled by their federation, have already sold out.The QFA also issued important instructions, confirming there will be no ticket sales points at the stadium and warning that ticket distribution near the venue is prohibited in order to ensure fan safety and avoid congestion. For inquiries, supporters can contact [email protected] top team from each group will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The second-placed teams will meet in a two-leg playoff on November 13 and 18, 2025, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff.Match Schedule – Group AOctober 8: Qatar vs Oman (20:00)October 11: UAE vs Oman (20:15)October 14: Qatar vs UAE (20:15)

Haseef (Al Mourtajez x Ghazwa), carrying the Wathnan Racing’s silks, won the UAE President Cup - Central European Derby (Gr3 PA), run over 2000m at Sluzewiec, Poland, on Sunday, 28 September. Ridden by FalehBughenaim, the four-year-old colt scored for trainer Damien de Watrigant, decisively pulling clear in the closing stages of the race reserved for four-your-old and up Purebred Arabians. Katrain de Ghazal (Gazwan), trained by Élisabeth Bernard for Helal Alalawi and ridden by Mickaël Forest, managed to hold off Power Bolt (Al Mourtajez) for second place. Haseef had previously finished second in the French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Sprint (Gr3 PA), narrowly beaten by the smart Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas), owned by Al Shaqab Racing. Before that, he had recorded a commanding success in the Prix Damas (Gr3 PA). Damien de Watrigant said: “The fast ground and strong pace suited him. Under these conditions, he remained calm and was able to see out the 2,000 meters. As for the next stage of his campaign, we’ll need to discuss it with the Wathnan team, but today he showed us that traveling does not unsettle him. He could therefore travel abroad this winter. I am pleased to see their colours shine. He keeps on improving. Last time, he was beaten because the 1,400 meters were too short.”

India beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final to retain the Asia Cup title on Sunday, capping a remarkable unbeaten run with their third victory against their arch-rivals at this year's tournament.Put into bat, Pakistan could not capitalise on an 84-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) and were bundled out for 146 with five deliveries still left in their innings.Pakistan lost their last nine wickets for 33 runs in a spectacular meltdown with India's left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4-30) being the wrecker-in-chief.Tilak Varma anchored India's nervy chase with an unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube (33) provided some support as they overwhelmed the target with two deliveries to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium."Pretty amazing," India vice-captain Shubman Gill summed up their feeling after clinching their ninth Asia Cup title."(Finishing) the whole tournament unbeaten - it's pretty amazing to be in this position."Emotions ran high around the contest between the neighbours who engaged in a military conflict in May and Gill said India's ability to absorb pressure stood the reigning 20-overs world champions in good stead."The conversation was to take it as deep as possible," he said of India's chase."The target was not much but important to soak in the pressure. Losing three wickets early, never easy. The partnership with Sanju and Tilak, and then how Dube hit those big sixes - it was very important."Earlier, Pakistan got off to a strong start with Farhan leading their charge against an Indian attack weakened by the absence of their injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.Pakistan scored 45 runs in the first six powerplay overs but soon stepped up on the gas.With Farhan in full flow and Fakhar playing the second fiddle to perfection, there was no inkling of the collapse lurking around until spinner Varun Chakravarthy (2-30) dismissed Farhan in the 10th over.Kuldeep then took over, tying the batters in tangles while Axar Patel picked up a couple of wickets to hasten Pakistan's collapse. Jasprit Bumrah also finished with two wickets.India's start was rather wobbly as they lost their in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, also the tournament's leading scorer, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav inside the first 10 deliveries of their innings.They slumped to 20-3 after Gill's exit but Varma and Sanju Samson (24) decided to rebuild the innings.Even that recovery would not have been possible but for the reprieve Samson, then on 12, got when Hussain Talat dropped him in the deep.Abrar Ahmed dismissed Samson to break the 57-run stand but Dube combined with Varma to take India closer to the target before falling in the penultimate over.Needing 10 runs from the last over from Haris Rauf, Varma hit the second ball for a six to effectively seal India's thrilling victory and triggering wild celebration in the Indian camp.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 presented by Aramco and FIFA have announced that Qatar will host the final three matches of the prestigious club competition in December of this year. The annual competition will crown the best club in world football for 2025, with teams vying for the FIFA Derby of the Americas™, FIFA Challenger Cup™ and FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ trophies. Matches will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December. Qatar has successfully hosted the annual club showpiece three times before, in 2019, 2020 and most recently in 2024 when Real Madrid were crowned club champions in front of a sell-out crowd at theiconic 80-000-seater Lusail Stadium, host of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ final match. The following matches will be played in Qatar: Match 3: 10 December 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Derby of the Americas™ Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 winners, Cruz Azul (Mexico) vs Winners of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores 2025 Match 4: 13 December, 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Challenger Cup™ CAF Champions League 2025 champions, Pyramids FC (Egypt) vs Winners of Match 3 Match 5: 17 December, 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ UEFA Champions Leagues 2025 champions, Paris Saint-Germain (France) vs Winners of Match 4 The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ adds to an exciting two months of world-class football in the country. Qatar is also set to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3 - 27 November 2025, as well as the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™, the second edition of the regional tournament, from 1 - 18 December 2025. The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 will take place during the rest days of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, showcasing Qatar’s ability to host multiple sporting events at the same time. All tournament venues will be connected seamlessly to public transportation and will offer barrier-free experience to disabled fans. For all tournament related updates, follow @RoadtoQatar on all major social media platforms.

Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ are set to go on sale this week, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced today.Starting from 30 September, 3pm Doha time, tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will be available. Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ will go on sale exclusively to Visa cardholders starting 2 October, 3PM. All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans.Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.Hassan Rabia Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial, said: “The launch of our ticket sales marks an important milestone for us, as Qatar getsready to welcome the world once again. Fans will be treated to an exciting football season, where they will be able to experience the country’s signature hospitality and be part of awonderful cultural exchange that will showcase our shared passion for football.”FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets in three categories, with prices starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. All stadiums will provide a number of accessible seating options for disabled fans.The opening match will take place on 1 December, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International Stadium and Stadium 974. All venues will feature a robust fan zone, where fans can enjoy a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ trophy. Nine of the highest FIFA ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 teams will vie for the remaining 7 spots in a series of qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be held ahead of the tournament on 25-26 November in Qatar.This is the second time that Qatar will be hosting the prestigious tournament. In 2021, the country successfully hosted the inaugural edition of the FIFA Arab Cup™, which was the first time the competition was played under the auspices of FIFA.In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup™ again in 2029 and 2033.FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ will be available as a number of Day Pass options, with prices starting from QAR 20. The Day Pass will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as a number of cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere.The tournament, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, will see eight matches a day taking place during its various stages, for a total of 104 matches.Fans can also purchase a Prime Match Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.All pitches will provide wheelchair-accessible seating for disabled fans. Tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues.Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia, and will play their first match against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The young Maroons will look to improve on their best finish, when they claimed fourth place in the 1991 edition of the tournament.The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets are available in two categories,with prices starting from QAR 15, and also includes accessible seating options.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting and is the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams.For tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa, @u17worldcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms

HE Minister of Sports and Youth and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA U-17 World Cup Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani affirmed that the committee's partners and sponsors will play a pivotal role in delivering an exceptional hosting experience for the upcoming tournaments in Qatar.This statement came during a ceremony held Saturday by the organising committee at Stadium 974, where the official sponsors of both tournaments, scheduled to take place in November and December, were announced.In his speech, HE the minister stated that the committee's partnership with these companies reflects the prestigious status and global reach of these tournaments, which will unite fans from across the region and the world in celebration of their shared passion for football.During the event, sponsorship agreements were signed with several Qatari companies, including Visit Qatar, the entity responsible for marketing and promoting Qatar's tourism sector, and Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar and a recipient of numerous prestigious awards.The list of sponsors also includes Media City Qatar, which brings together media firms and content creators, and Aspetar, the world-renowned orthopedic and sports medicine hospital.The ceremony also featured the announcement of global hospitality firm Beyond Hospitality as the official hospitality provider for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, offering premium packages including hospitality suites and other exclusive experiences for fans attending the highly anticipated sporting event.Qatar will host the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from December 1 to 18, with matches played across six World Cup stadiums. Sixteen national teams will compete for the title, including nine top-ranked teams that have automatically qualified through FIFA rankings, while 14 others will vie for the remaining seven spots in a qualifying series to be held in Doha this November.Meanwhile, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will take place from November 3 to 27. This year's edition marks the first of five consecutive annual tournaments to be hosted by Qatar through 2029, featuring 48 national teams, a historic expansion in the tournament's format.Matches will be held at Aspire Zone's competition complex, with the final set to take place at Khalifa International Stadium.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot blasted Hugo Ekitike for a stupid sending-off after tapping home a winner against Southampton in the League Cup on Tuesday and then removing his shirt in celebration. The Frenchman, who replaced record signing Alexander Isak at half-time, had been booked already for kicking the ball away in frustration and the second yellow five minutes from time left Liverpool defending a 2-1 third-round lead with 10 men.Liverpool captain Andy Robertson told said it was a stupid thing to do when on a yellow card and Slot doubled down afterwards. “I think it’s also stupid if you haven’t had a yellow card yet,” he said.“Maybe I’m a bit old-fashioned, maybe a bit old school, but I did score a few goals – not at this level – as well and if I maybe outplay three players, which I never did, and then hit it in the top corner, then maybe you can say ‘oh, this is all about me.’“But if I had to score a goal like he did tonight, I would have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and would say ‘It’s all about you, Federico. Great assist, great run and I didn’t have to do a lot’. It was stupid, not smart in every sense... he’s now suspended for Saturday and that is far from ideal.”Ekitike later apologised on Instagram: “The emotion got the better of me tonight,” he said. “My apologies to all the Red family...”League leaders Liverpool, with a 100% record so far this season, have a tricky away trip to unbeaten Crystal Palace next in the league. Slot fielded a completely changed starting lineup on Tuesday from the side that played Everton on Saturday, with Isak starting and scoring his first goal for the club.“It wasn’t our best performance, which probably has a lot to do with players that haven’t played for a long time or for the first time,” he said. The manager said Isak would get increasing game time, with Liverpool trying to build him up faster than usual, but did not expect him to be fully up to speed until after the next international break.Club World Cup champions Chelsea suffered an early scare at third tier Lincoln City but came back from a goal down at half-time to win 2-1 with teenager Tyrique George equalising in the 48th and providing the assist for Facundo Buonanotte’s 50th-minute winner.League One (third tier) Cardiff City provided the upset of the eight games on the programme by beating top flight Burnley 2-1 at Turf Moor. Premier League bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers won their top flight clash 2-0 against Everton, who had James Garner hit the bar with a second-half free kick and Jack Grealish coming off the bench.Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez scored four, including a 24-minute first-half hat-trick, as Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion thumped third tier Barnsley 6-0 at Oakwell to reach the fourth round for the fifth time in six seasons. Second tier Wrexham gave their Hollywood owners another home night to savour by beating Reading 2-0, with Nathan Broadhead scoring both – his first for the Welsh side who go through to the fourth round for the first time since 1977.Premier League Fulham beat fourth tier visitors Cambridge United 1-0 at Craven Cottage with Emile Smith Rowe scoring the 66th-minute winner. Championship side Swansea City and fourth tier giantkillers Grimsby Town are already through to the fourth round along with Premier League Brentford and Crystal Palace.

India secured their place in the Asia Cup final Wednesday as Abhishek Sharma starred with 75 in a comfortable 41-run win over Bangladesh in Dubai.The holders posted 168-6 batting first after stumbling following a quick start, but their spinners helped stifle Bangladesh to 127 all out.The result means Sri Lanka are out of the tournament, with Thursday’s Super Four match between Pakistan and Bangladesh to decide who faces India in Sunday’s final.Abhishek has enjoyed a remarkable start to his T20 international career with 783 runs from 22 matches at a strike-rate of 197.72.The opener set up victory with another brilliant innings, striking six sixes and five fours in his 37-ball blitz, which ended with a run-out caused by a mix-up with captain Suryakumar Yadav.Both Abhishek and fellow opener Shubman Gill, who made 29, started cautiously before the two took on left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, smashing 21 runs off the fourth over.Abhishek reached his fifty off just 25 balls after Gill fell to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.Rishad quickly struck again with the wicket of the promoted Shivam Dube, before the dismissals of Abhishek and Suryakumar, for five off 11 balls, left India on 114-4. Hardik Pandya ensured India reached a competitive total with a 29-ball 38 with four fours and one six.Jasprit Bumrah struck first to send back opener Tanzid Hasan for one in the second over of Bangladesh’s chase, before Saif Hassan and Parvez Hossain Emon, who made 21, put on 42 runs to steady the innings.But Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Parvez and Bangladesh soon lost their way as the Indian spinners took charge. Saif, who survived four dropped catches, played a lone hand to raise Bangladesh hopes. Kuldeep struck twice with successive balls before Nasum played out the hat-trick ball. Saif finally fell in the 18th over for 69 to Bumrah and Bangladesh were bowled out in 19.3 overs.BRIEF SCORE:SIndia 168 for 6 (Abhishek 75, Hardik 38, Rishad 2-27) beat Bangladesh (Saif 69, Kuldeep 3-18, Bumrah 2-18, Varun 2-29) by 41 runs

Qatar secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Oman at the Under-17 Gulf Cup Wednesday to seal their place in the semi-finals. In a tense encounter at the Grand Hamad Stadium, Faisal Saeed struck the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home crowd. The result lifted Al Annabi to six points from two matches, ensuring qualification, while Oman remain without a point. In the group’s other fixture, the UAE came from behind to defeat Yemen 2-1 in a thrilling contest at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Yemen took the lead in the 30th minute through an own goal by Emirati defender Butti al-Junaibi. But the same player made amends with the equaliser in the 74th minute before Mohammed Battar struck the winner in the final minute of regular time. The victory also lifted the UAE to six points, confirming their progress to the semi-finals alongside hosts Qatar. Yemen, like Oman, remain pointless and are out of contention. The group stage continues this week, but with two rounds completed, the identity of Group A’s semi-finalists is already decided, setting up a strong run-in to the knockout phase.

Pakistan kept their Asia Cup campaign alive with a hard-fought five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi Tuesday.With both teams having lost their opening fixtures of the second round, defeat wasn’t an option and Pakistan’s bowlers rose to the occasion tying Sri Lanka down to 133-8 on a featherbed of a pitch.Chasing what looked a modest target, Pakistan made heavy weather of it.After a brisk opening stand of 45, their innings went into free fall at 80-5.But a cool-headed 58-run partnership off 41 balls for the sixth wicket between Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat steadied the ship and saw them home with 12 deliveries in hand.Nawaz struck a breezy 38 off 24 balls, while Talat anchored the innings with an unbeaten 32 off 30.Earlier, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone with the new ball, nipping out Sri Lanka’s in-form openers inside his first two overs.The left-arm quick returned at the death to dismiss top-scorer Kamindu Mendis and closed with figures of three for 28 – a spell that put Pakistan on the front foot.Talat and Haris Rauf chipped in with two wickets apiece, while leggie Abrar Ahmed bowled with miserly precision, giving away just eight runs in his four overs and dismissing fellow leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.Sri Lanka, unbeaten in the first round with three wins on the trot, have hit a brick wall in the Super Four, losing to Bangladesh on Saturday and now to Pakistan.With only India left to play, their chances of making the final are hanging by a thread.Put in to bat, Sri Lanka slumped to 58-5 and looked set to be bundled out inside 20 overs.But Kamindu Mendis dug in, compiling a fighting 50 off 44 balls with three fours and two sixes, his third half-century in T20Is.He stitched together a 43-run stand with Chamika Karunaratne for the seventh wicket, but the former champions were still left high and dry.BRIEF SCORES:Pakistan 138 for 5 (Nawaz 38*, Talat 32*, Theekshana 2-24, Hasaranga 2-27) beat Sri Lanka 133 for 8 (Kamindu Mendis 50, Afridi 3-28, Talat 2-18, Rauf 2-37) by five wickets

Al Rayyan edged Al Wakrah 4-3 in a thrilling QSL Cup second-round at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium Tuesday.This was Al Rayyan’s second successive win and took their points tally to six, while Al Wakrah are yet to open their account. Adel Bader (17th minute), Faisal Nouman (34th minute), Bahaa Ellethy (52nd minute) and Moustafa El Sayed (90th minute) scored for Al Rayyan.For Al Wakrah, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (66th minute penalty), Ali Saleh (68th minute) and Abdelaziz Mohammed (90+6 minute) were on target. Al Rayyan’s Cas Campion Leadbetter was shown the red card in the 75th minute for a foul against Al Wakrah’s Abdulaziz Ibrahim.Adel Bader began the scoring for The Lions slamming from centre in front of goal after being in the clear. Nouman doubled their lead with a fine strike off a diagonal cross from Bader. Post break, Bahaa Ellethy deflected in the third goal following a corner and a header.Al Wakrah scored their first goal from the spot and soon made it 2-3, with Ali Saleh smartly lobbing it over the rival goalkeeper’s head. Al Rayyan hit back, with Moustafa El Sayed scoring with a fine strike (4-2). Al Wakrah’s Abdelaziz Mohammed reduced the margin beating a diving goalkeeper in dying moments of added time (4-3).Shahania, Shamal drawIn the other match, Al Shahania and Al Shamal played out a goalless draw at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at Al Duhail. Al Shahania had some of the best chances of the almost evenly-balanced match, but they somehow found the rock-solid defence of Al Shamal seemingly impenetrable.Both sides are yet to record a win in the tournament, having both suffered a first-round loss, with Al Shahania losing 1-2 to Al Sailiya and Al Shamal being defeated 3-1 by Umm Salal. Both teams will definitely have to up their game in the next rounds for any chance of making it to the knockout stage.In Monday's matches, Al Bidda stunned Al Sadd 3-1 thanks to Abdallah Nouri's hat-trick. Muaither drubbed Al Gharafa 5-2, while Al Duhail beat Mesaimeer 2-1 and Al Arabi drew with Al Waab.

Taylor Fritz held off Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to seal Team World’s triumph in the Laver Cup Monday as two wins for Carlos Alcaraz on the final day proved too little for Team Europe.Fritz fired a backhand volley winner on his first match point to give Team World a 15-9 victory over Europe in the global tennis event, sparking jubilant celebrations from his teammates and World captain Andre Agassi at Chase Center – home of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.“The energy from the team, it just feels the moments of winning feel so much better, the moments of losing feel so much worse because you’re doing it for all these guys,” Fritz said.“It just fires me up so much,” added the fifth-ranked American, who had beaten Alcaraz on Saturday when Team World swept all four matches to seize a 9-3 lead.Fritz had raced through the opening set against a weary-looking Zverev.The German stepped it up in the second set, but he was down a break and trailing 4-3 before he finally mustered his first break points of the night.He converted his third to level the set at 4-4 to the delight of his Europe teammates and captain Yannick Noah.A quick hold from Zverev left Fritz serving to stay in the set. He held to love and they battled to the tiebreaker, where Fritz took a 3-0 lead only for Zverev to win three straight points before Fritz won four of the final five.Alcaraz, fresh off his sixth Grand Slam title at the US Open, had kept Europe’s title defence alive with a blistering 6-2, 6-1 victory over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo.Alcaraz and Casper Ruud had sliced Europe’s deficit with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 doubles victory over Reilly Opelka and Alex Michelsen to open Sunday’s action. But Australian world number eight Alex De Minaur then beat Czech Jakub Mensik 6-3, 6-4 to push Team World’s lead to 12-6, with 13 points needed to claim the Cup and each match on Sunday worth three points.De Minaur, a late replacement on Team World for Frances Tiafoe, had nabbed two wins on Saturday – beating Zverev in singles and coming through again in doubles.Team World regained the title they surrendered to Europe last year in Berlin.Europe have won five of eight editions of the event co-created by Swiss great Roger Federer, which will be held in London next year.