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A torrential downpour once again called the tune in Colombo as the Women's Cricket World Cup fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was abandoned after just 4.2 overs on Friday.Heavy rain refused to relent, leaving players and fans drenched in disappointment. It was the last game in the Colombo leg of the tournament.Of the 11 matches staged in the Sri Lankan capital, five ended in no-results, forcing teams to split points.Several other games too were rain-disrupted, prompting questions as to whether Colombo's monsoon-prone month was the right window to stage a global event.Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have borne the brunt of inclement weather, with three of their seven outings each washed down the drain.On Friday, the toss was delayed by more than three hours and the game was trimmed to 34 overs per side.Pakistan had reached 18 without loss when the heavens opened again. Despite the tireless efforts of the ground staff, match officials finally threw in the towel at 8:00 pm local time with parts of the outfield still under water.Sri Lanka climbed to fifth in the points table with five points, courtesy of one win and a point each from their three washed out games.They will stay there if England defeat New Zealand on Sunday, ensuring the islanders finish above the White Ferns. It's a commendable outcome for a side that had failed to qualify for the previous World Cup in New Zealand in 2022."We cannot control the weather. It has been very disappointing. We came into this tournament with lots of hope as we had beaten teams like India, New Zealand and South Africa in the recent past. But not much went our way in this campaign," Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu said.Pakistan ended their campaign without a single win, finishing in seventh place, one ahead of Bangladesh in the eight nation competition with all their points coming through rain affected games."The weather didn't go in our favour. ICC must look into the best venues for World Cups. We are waiting for four years for a World Cup and it's disappointing to finish like this," Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said.

Grace Secret claimed the Asherij Cup for three-year-old+ Local Purebred Arabian fillies and mares at the Al Rayyan racecourse Wednesday.The three-year-old bay filly recorded an impressive 3½-length victory on her seasonal debut to notch her second career win in just her third start, showing plenty more to give for owner Umm Al Shukhut Farm and trainer Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed.She was partnered by jockey Alberto Sanna, who completed a double on the day, winning both the first and final races of the day. Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, crowned the winners. Sanna won the card opener – Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60) – with Injaaz Stud-owned and Jihad El Ahmad-trained Estithmar.Jockey Soufiane Saadi also completed a double on the day as he guided Naseeb Zakhir, in the colours of Osama Omer al-Dafea, to victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate for three-year-old+. Saadi was in the winners’ enclosure in the fifth race of the day when he rode Faleh Suwayed al-Ajami’s Studio City to the Thoroughbred Handicap (60-80) for the three-year-old+.RESULTS3rd Al Rayyan Race Meeting - Asherij CupWINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1 - Asherij Cup - Local Purebred Arabian HandicapGrace Secret, Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, Alberto Sanna2 - Local Purebred Arabian Graduation PlateNaseeb Zakhir, Eng Osama Omer al-Dafea, Soufiane Saadi3 - Thoroughbred Handicap (60-80)Studio City, Mohammed al Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi4: Local Thoroughbred Handicap (35-60)Horse: Saida, Hamad al-Jehani, Saleh Faraj al-Otaibi5 - Purebred Arabian Maiden PlateAzzam FBR, Fahad Rashid al-Khayarin al-Hajri, Abdulla Rashid al-Hajri6: Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, 3-7YOsMorello Man, Hamad al-Jehani, Szczepan Mazur7 -Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60)Estithmar, Jihad El Ahmad, Alberto Sanna

The Qatar International Baja will be the penultimate round of the FIM Bajas World Cup on November 6th-8th. While competitors in the FIA World Baja Cup wait for the outcome of this weekend’s Baja Portalegre 500 in Portugal before the latest championship standings are known before the Lusail-based event, riders competing in the FIM category are already making final preparations for their title-deciding rounds in Qatar and Dubai.This year’s FIM Bajas World Cup is being fought out over just seven counting rounds after the Hungarian Baja pulled out of the series in August. Action began across the deserts of north-central Saudi Arabia for the Hail Baja at the start of February and then moved on to the narrow and twisty gravel tracks of Portugal for the Baja Escuderia Castelo Branco in wet conditions.British rider Alex McInnes claimed his maiden win on the series opener and then Junior rider Martin Ventura got the better of Jorge Brandao and Paulo Cardoso to win in Portugal.MX Ride Dubai’s Mohammed al-Balooshi then confirmed his fifth victory at the Jordan Baja in April, an event that was held across the spectacular desert terrain of Wadi Rum in the south of the Hashemite Kingdom. That victory pushed the defending champion into title contention.The series then returned to Europe for back-to-back Bajas in Spain. Professional Honda rider Tosha Schareina overcame tricky muddy conditions to get the better of Javi Vega at the Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura at the start of May. Lorenzo Santolino then guided his Sherco to victory over Neels Theric and Vega in the Teruel-based Baja Spain Aragón in the heat of the Spanish summer.Entries closed Wednesday for the event being organised by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the final lists will be announced on October 29th.But Dubai-based al-Balooshi is expected to take the start with a nine-point advantage over his Lebanese team-mate Rafic Eid in the overall 450cc riders’ championship. Vega is third in the rankings, ahead of Brandao, Cardoso and a tying Santolino, Schareina, Ventura and McInnes. Tragically, Brandao lost his life while competing at the recent W2RC event in Morocco. Rafic Eid leads the Veterans’ category by six points from al-Balooshi.The FIM Bajas World Cup also has a well-supported Ladies’ category. Alona Ben Natan leads the way on 58 points and has an eight-point cushion over Spaniard Sara Garcia Alvarez. Equador’s Maria Taranto is third, five points in front of Sarah Khuraibet from Kuwait. Kove Factory Racing’s Lili-may Mansuy and the Duust Rally Team’s Joanna Modrzewska are also in the points’ hunt.Polish rider Konrad Dabrowksi won the Qatar International Baja outright on two wheels in 2022 and 2023. He currently trails Spain’s Victor Manuel Moya Aguilera by 13 points in the race to become the leading Junior rider in 2025. Dabrowski rides for the Duust Rally Team and is tied in second place in the standings with Jordan’s Abdullah Al-Batayneh, Ventura and McInnes.Experienced Saudi rider Hani al-Noumesi won last year’s Qatar International Baja in the quad category and has a 16-point advantage in the FIM’s quad standings over Frenchman Antoine Sanchez and Portugal’s Fernando Jorge Sampaio.Frenchman Jerome Connart and the Saudi duo of Haitham al-Tuwaijri and Abdulaziz al-Shayban are also in the hunt. Administration and technical scrutineering will be based at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit on Tuesday, November 4th with re-scrutineering for any FIA vehicles on Wednesday, November 5th.Competitive action will then take centre stage from Thursday, November 6th through to Saturday, November 8th over a total route of 773.83km and 453.21 competitive kilometres.

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ set to kick off in less than two weeks, the UAE U- 17 national team is finalising preparations for what promises to be a landmark tournament for youth football globally.Scheduled from 3-27 November, the competition marks the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams, with Qatar set to host five consecutive editions through 2029.Drawn into Group C alongside Senegal, Croatia and Costa Rica, the UAE U- 17 national team will begin their journey on 3 November at Aspire Park’s Pitch 8 against Costa Rica. For the young Emirati players, this competition is the realisation of a lifelong dream.Goalkeeper Jassim Al Hammadi looks forward to playing in Qatar after it successfully hosted a historic edition of the FIFA World Cup™: "As a fan, it was a wonderful experience to watch the World Cup in Qatar and now being able to play and train in the same facilities used by Messi and Ronaldo is really exciting."He added: "We take great responsibility and pride in playing football at the U-17 World Cup. I want to give my best for the UAE and play for the first team in the future."While Al Hammadi draws inspiration from football's greats, his teammate Abdulrahman Al Awani is focused on making his own mark. For the young player, this tournament represents uncharted territory. "This is the first major tournament I will be playing in. I am confident we will do well. I hope to make my family and country proud. Football means everything to me."Having witnessed Qatar's preparations first-hand, assistant coach and former UAE player Nawaf Mubarak is impressed by what awaits the teams. "Qatar hosted an amazing World Cup and showed its capabilities to the world. The sporting infrastructure is impressive. The country is beautiful. Everything from hotels to stadiums, and transportation is world-class."For Mubarak, the team’s ambitions are clear and bold. "In this World Cup, we hope to advance as far as possible and to showcase to the world the true potential of our country as strong contenders in international football."The tournament's unique hosting concept will see all 104 matches contested at Aspire Zone's Competition Complex.All tickets will be digital, with Day Passes available for just QAR 20, allowing fans to watch multiple matches throughout the day while enjoying cultural and entertainment activities. Supporters of the Qatar National Team can avail the Follow My Team package to follow the young Maroons through every group stage match.Accessible tickets, including wheelchair-accessible seats are available throughout the tournament. Requests for accessible tickets can be submitted to [email protected] tournament will culminate on 27 November at the Khalifa International Stadium, with tickets to the Final available across two categories, starting from QAR 15.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ marks the beginning of an exceptional period of elite football competition in Qatar. Taking place from 3-27 November, the tournament will be followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ on 1-18 December and the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ on 10, 13, and 17 December.For tickets and the full match schedule, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa. Follow @u17worldcupqa on social media for the latest tournament updates.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the Head of Government of the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch on the occasion of his country's national U-20 football team's victory in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the King Mohammed VI of the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco on the occasion of his country's national U-20 football team's victory in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the King Mohammed VI of the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco on the occasion of his country's national U-20 football team's victory in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, wishing Morocco and its brotherly people further sporting achievements and continued progress and prosperity.

When the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 kicks off later this year, it will mark another milestone in the tournament's status as a premier celebration of Arab football. Yet for Qatar-based fan leaders, the tournament's significance extends beyond the competition. It serves as an opportunity to showcase the unity and passion that define Arab culture. Set to take place from 1-18 December, this marks the second time Qatar will host the FIFA Arab Cup™ following the successful 2021 edition. Qatar will also host the next two editions in 2029 and 2033. Sixteen teams will compete across six stadiums that previously hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Algeria enters the tournament as defending champions having beat Tunisia in the 2021 Final. For Athmane Abbassi, a programmes manager who has lived in Qatar since 2013, the expectations are sky-high. “Our team's mission won't be easy, especially with the noticeable improvement in many Arab teams in recent years. However, we are aiming to win the title for the second time in a row,” says Abbassi, who has been a fan leader since the previous edition. The timing is particularly meaningful for Algerian fans, following their national team's qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. "Football in Algeria is more than a game, it unites people, strengthens our pride, and reflects our national spirit. The Arab Cup is even more special because it brings together countries that share the same language, culture, and passion for football. It's more than competition – it's a celebration of Arab unity, pride, and brotherhood, on and off the pitch," explains Abbassi. For Morocco's Fikria El Kaouakibi, who has been working in academia and living in Qatar for the past 15 years, football is woven into the fabric of her Moroccan identity. "As a Moroccan, football has always been part of my life. It's everywhere. It’s a sport that we play in the streets, schools, and neighbourhoods. It really is a part of our DNA," says El Kaouakibi, who has previously volunteered at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where the Lions of Atlas secured a historic 4th place finish. She adds that Morocco's recent successes across various competitions, including their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 win—a first for the Arab world—have elevated national pride and put the country on the global stage. The Arab Cup represents another opportunity to showcase that excellence, with added significance as Morocco prepares to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026. "Every young Arab dreams of playing in tournaments like this one. Seeing their heroes on the field gives them motivation to work harder and believe that anything is possible. Whether at the stadium or watching from home, fans are able to connect deeply with the sport and their national identity," said El Kaouakibi.| Ali Kotash, founder of the Lebanese community football team in Qatar, has built many connections through sport over his fifteen years of work with the community. For him, the Arab Cup represents something deeper than competition. “On the pitch, we're not just representing our own country, we're one community. I'll never forget last year's match between Lebanon and Egypt: my kids were waving Egyptian flags while Egyptian families proudly held Lebanese flags. That's what football does, it brings everyone together and creates a sense of unity.” Kotash also believes that hosting the tournament in the region will raise the standard of football across the Arab world: “This tournament gives Arab nations the opportunity to compete at the highest level, helping us develop our sports and reach world-class standards. Through the Arab Cup, we're developing the future of Arab football and nurturing the next generation of talent and passion." For Egyptian fan leader Hossam Abu Al Ola, who has been a legal professional in Qatar for 25 years, the tournament carries profound meaning. "As an Egyptian, football for us means life. Now having an Arab tournament under the auspices of FIFA puts us on the map. This makes our participation in this tournament very valuable. This is our tournament. It's for the entire Arab world. Its success is our success." Abu Al Ola believes that Qatar's delivery of the FIFA World Cup established a blueprint for Arab sporting ambition. "After Qatar delivered what many call the best World Cup ever, we know what's possible," he said. "Qatar has proven to the whole world that it can host and organise the biggest events in sport." Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets exclusively on: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QR25. 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 tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.

When the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ kicks off later this year, it will mark another milestone in the tournament's status as a premier celebration of Arab football.Yet for Qatar-based fan leaders, the tournament's significance extends beyond the competition. It serves as an opportunity to showcase the unity and passion that define Arab culture.Set to take place from 1-18 December, this marks the second time Qatar will host the FIFA Arab Cup™ following the successful 2021 edition. Qatar will also host the next two editions in 2029 and 2033. Sixteen teams will compete across six stadiums that previously hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.**media[371573]**Athmane Abbassi, Algerian Fan LeaderAlgeria enters the tournament as defending champions having beat Tunisia in the 2021 Final. For Athmane Abbassi, a programmes manager who has lived in Qatar since 2013, the expectations are sky-high."Our team's mission won't be easy, especially with the noticeable improvement in many Arab teams in recent years. However, we are aiming to win the title for the second time in a row," says Abbassi, who has been a fan leader since the previous edition.The timing is particularly meaningful for Algerian fans, following their national team's qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™."Football in Algeria is more than a game, it unites people, strengthens our pride, and reflects our national spirit. The Arab Cup is even more special because it brings together countries that share the same language, culture, and passion for football. It's more than competition – it's a celebration of Arab unity, pride, and brotherhood, on and off the pitch," explains Abbassi.**media[371574]**Fikria El Kaouakibi, Moroccan Fan LeaderFor Morocco's Fikria El Kaouakibi, who has been working in academia and living in Qatar for the past 15 years, football is woven into the fabric of her Moroccan identity."As a Moroccan, football has always been part of my life. It's everywhere. It’s a sport that we play in the streets, schools, and neighbourhoods. It really is a part of our DNA," says El Kaouakibi, who has previously volunteered at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, where the Lions of Atlas secured a historic 4th place finish.She adds that Morocco's recent successes across various competitions, including their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025™ win—a first for the Arab world—have elevated national pride and put the country on the global stage. The Arab Cup represents another opportunity to showcase that excellence, with added significance as Morocco prepares to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026™."Every young Arab dreams of playing in tournaments like this one. Seeing their heroes on the field gives them motivation to work harder and believe that anything is possible. Whether at the stadium or watching from home, fans are able to connect deeply with the sport and their national identity," said El Kaouakibi.**media[371572]**Ali Kotash, Lebanese Fan LeaderAli Kotash, founder of the Lebanese community football team in Qatar, has built many connections through sport over his fifteen years of work with the community. For him, the Arab Cup represents something deeper than competition.“On the pitch, we're not just representing our own country, we're one community. I'll never forget last year's match between Lebanon and Egypt: my kids were waving Egyptian flags while Egyptian families proudly held Lebanese flags.That's what football does, it brings everyone together and creates a sense of unity.”Kotash also believes that hosting the tournament in the region will raise the standard of football across the Arab world: “This tournament gives Arab nations the opportunity to compete at the highest level, helping us develop our sports and reach world-class standards. Through the Arab Cup, we're developing the future of Arab football and nurturing the next generation of talent and passion."For Egyptian fan leader Hossam Abu Al Ola, who has been a legal professional in Qatar for 25 years, the tournament carries profound meaning."As an Egyptian, football for us means life. Now having an Arab tournament under the auspices of FIFA puts us on the map. This makes our participation in this tournament very valuable. This is our tournament. It's for the entire Arab world. Its success is our success."Abu Al Ola believes that Qatar's delivery of the FIFA World Cup™ established a blueprint for Arab sporting ambition. "After Qatar delivered what many call the best World Cup ever, we know what's possible," he said. "Qatar has proven to the whole world that it can host and organise the biggest events in sport."Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets exclusively on: www.roadtoqatar.qa, 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 tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.For the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ official match schedule, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa.For all tournament-related information, follow @arabcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms.

Al Arabi handed Al Duhail a crushing 4-0 defeat in the fifth round match of the QSL Cup 2025-26 season at the Grand Hamad Stadium Sunday.The victory, Al Arabi’s third of the tournament, Sunday kept them in third place in the standings with 10 points – behind on goal difference with leaders Al Kharaitiyat and second-placed Umm Salal.Al Rayyan, also with 10 points, are in fourth spot.Al Duhail with a second loss and 4 points have slipped to 15th place.Al Arabi were on the attack against Al Duhail from the word go with Isaac Lihadji scoring in the 2nd minute of the match. Jordan Veretout scored the team’s second goal in the 40th minute.In the second half Aladin Hasan (67th minute) and Pablo Sarabia (72nd minute) added more to the tally.Umm Salal thrash Al Sadd 5-0 Earlier, Umm Salal blanked Al Sadd 5-0 at the Al Shamal Stadium.It was Umm Salal’s third win of the tournament while Al Sadd, who suffered their third defeat, remain on 1 point and in 19th place in the 20-team tournament.Umm Salal led 1-0 at half time only to come back steamrolling in the second session to score four more goals.Antonio Mance (38th minute), Cristo Gonzalez (48th minute), Jean Quaisi (70 & 82 minutes) and Ahmed Sayed (90+1 minute) got the goals for Umm Salal.Qatar SC beat Al Ahli 6-1Qatar SC yesterday beat Al Ahli 6-1 at Al Khor Stadium.The game was clearly beyond Al Ahli’s reach by the blast of the whistle for the closing of the first half, with Qatar SC leading 4-0, benefiting from two own goals from Al Ahli’s Khaled Hassan (second and 39th minutes), while Raoul Sanda (14th minute) and Saeed Brahmi (44th minute) added one each.The Brigadiers got their consolation goal in the 49th minute via a penalty kick through Talal Ali, but Joao Pedro (75th minute) and Yan Matheus (88th minute) added two more for Qatar SC to ensure the emphatic victory, which secured them their first 3 points (their only points so far) of the competition, while Al Ahli remained on 1 point.

Al Shahania secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Al Khor in their Round 5 clash of the QSL Cup at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday. Ali al-Muhannadi scored the winner for Shahania in the 77th minute after both sides were locked 2-2 at half time. Shahania had opening the scoring in the 19th minute through Jawad El Jemili while Pelle van Amersfoort put the side 2-0 ahead scoring off a penalty kick in the 27th minute. Al Khor hit back through Abdulrahman al-Harazi in the 42nd minute, and a minute later Sofiane Hanni got the equaliser. But al-Muhannadi struck to help Al Shahania gain the three valuable points. The second win of the tournament took Al Shahania’s tally to 7 points while Al Khor also remain at 7 points. Al Shamal thrash MarkhiyaAl Shamal thumped Al Markhiya 5-0 at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. Shamal got their opening goal in the eighth minute through Naim Sliti. They doubled their lead in the 23rd minute as Younes El Hannach scored. Alex Collado added a third in the 45th minute. An own goal from Markhiya’s Ahmad Ismal (75th minute) added to Shamal’s scoreline. Mohamad Omar hit one home in added time (90+1 minute) to make it 5-0 for the winners. This was Al Shamal’s first win of the tournament and took their tally to 5 points while Al Markhiya remain on 4 points. Mesaimeer, Lusail draw Mesaimeer and Lusail played out a 1-1 draw at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Mesaimeer’s Abdulkader Zoukh scored in the 12th minute, capitalising on some defensive errors by Lusail. The goal was the only difference between the sides for quite a while until Tamim al-Jabri secured the equaliser for Lusail in the 72nd minute to push them to four points in the standings, while Mesaimeer advanced to five points. Al Rayyan, Al Waab share points Al Rayyan and Al Waab played out a 2-2 draw at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium. Al Waab took an early lead through Abdulrahman Sheikh Khan, who struck in the fifth minute to give his side a 1-0 advantage at halftime. Al Rayyan turned the game around early in the second half, with Brazilian forward Wesley Da Silva scoring twice in quick succession — in the 54th and 58th minutes — to put the Lions ahead. However, Al Waab snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time when Mohammed Abu Shanab capitalised on a goalkeeping error to make it 2-2. With the result, Al Rayyan moved to 10 points, while Al Waab reached 6 points in the group standings.

Kuwait, Pakistan, Jordan, Kazakhstan and Lebanon won their respective group matches in the men’s section while Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE did likewise in the women’s section to keep their hopes alive for qualifying for the next stage of the FIP Asia Padel Cup organised by the International Padel Federation (FIP) together with the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) and Padel Asia at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Saturday.In the men’s section, Kuwait and Bahrain match was a keenly contested one with Kuwait winning it 2-1 to open their campaign on an emphatic note.Bahrain which had won the first match against Indonesia have lost one and won one, while Indonesia the third team in the group have lost the only match they have played so far.On Sunday, Kuwait take on Indonesia which will decide which of the team will make it to the last eight stage by virtue of being the group leader.In Group B, Pakistan got the better of China 2-1 and will face Thailand in their second match, which will also decide the group qualifier. Earlier on Friday China had defeated Thailand in the same group. In Group C, Jordan defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 to start their campaign on a winning note and will face South Korea, who had earlier lost to Saudi Arabia.Jordan has one win from one match, while Saudi Arabia has lost one and won another, while South Korea has lost the lone match they have played so far. The group leader will be decided on Sunday.In Group D, the Lebanon and Kazakhstan clash will decide the group leader, both the teams have won two of their matches in the group while Japan and Philippines have lost both their matches. The four group winners will join the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Australia, and Iran in the Final 8, scheduled from October 20 to 24. In the women’s section in Group A, Thailand were given a tight fight by the hosts Qatar but managed to overcome the spirited challenge 2-1.In the three-team group, Thailand and Lebanon have both won their first-round matches of the group and the group leader will be decided on Sunday when Thailand and Lebanon meet in the crucial tie which will decide which of the two teams qualifies for the quarter-final stage of the championship.In Group B, Indonesia registered their second successive win to remain on top of the group with an all-win record. On Saturday they defeated Bahrain 3-0 while on Friday they had defeated Kuwait 3-0.On Sunday, Kuwait take on Bahrain in the Group B.In the Group C matches, Saudi Arabia defeated Pakistan 3-0 while UAE edged past China 2-1. For Saudi Arabia this was their second successive win having won against China on Friday. UAE also won their second match of the group and the group leader will be decided after the match between Saudi Arabi and UAE.The two clash on Sunday, while China meet Pakistan in the other match of the group.The four group qualifiers from the three groups will be joined by Japan, Australia, the Philippines and Iran have already qualified for the last-eight stage by virtue of their FIP Rankings.Seventeen teams Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran competing in the men’s section in the week-long championship, while fourteen teams Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Japan, Australia, Philippines, and Iran compete in the women’s section.ResultsMen's sectionGroup A: Kuwait bt Bahrain 2-1Group B: Pakistan bt China 2-1Group C: Jordan bt Saudi Arabia 2-1Group D: Kazakhstan bt Japan 2-1Group D: Lebanon bt Philippines 3-0Women's sectionGroup A: Thailand bt Qatar 2-1Group B: Indonesia bt Bahrain 3-0Group C: UAE bt China 2-1Group C: Saudi Arabia bt Pakistan 3-0Order of play (Sunday 19th October)Men’s matchesGroup A: Indonesia vs KuwaitGroup B: Thailand vs PakistanGroup C: Jordan vs South KoreaGroup D: Lebanon vs KazakhstanGroup D: Japan vs Philippines Women’s matchesGroup A: Lebanon vs ThailandGroup B: Kuwait vs BahrainGroup C: Saudi Arabia vs UAE Group C: China vs PakistanAll matches start at 3.00pmVenue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex