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Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Classic" (23 articles)

Gulf Times
Sport

Geneva clinches French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic

Geneva confirmed her quality and consistency with a hard-fought success in the Gr.1 (PA) French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic – Wathba Stallions at Toulouse.The race, run over 2200m for four-year-old and older Purebred Arabians, featured a field of six, and the talented filly finally earned the Group 1 (PA) title that had previously eluded her.Trained by François Rohaut, ridden by Alexandre Gavilan, and carrying the colours of Abdulla bin Fahad al-Attiyah, the four-year-old came into the race on the back of a strong third-place finish in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments at ParisLongchamp.Last year, she had also crossed the line first in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches at Saint-Cloud, before being disqualified due to her jockey exceeding the permitted number of whip strikes. This time, justice was firmly served as Geneva officially became a Gr.1 (PA) winner.She fired slightly left coming out of the stalls and soon settled in fourth in a race led by Almurjanah. Still travelling behind Kanti de Bozouls, the pace steadied down the back straight, with the filly always moving comfortably. When the tempo lifted entering the final bend, Geneva momentarily looked outpaced as the leaders kicked on, but she soon found her rhythm again.Inside the final 400m, the leader had opened up a few lengths on the field, but Geneva began to close in, moving into third and challenging Molfit.In the last 200 metres, she produced a determined effort to sweep past both rivals, though Wala’a emerged with a strong late run on the outside. In a thrilling finish, Geneva held on gamely to win by half a length, with Wala’a finishing second and Molfit taking third.Bred by Patrick Lombrail, Geneva is by Azadi out of Theeba, a dual winner over 1600m at four and 1700m at five, as well as twice third in Gr.1 (PA) company over 2000m at five.She is a half-sister to Fleur du Soleil, a Listed winner over 1750m at four; to Eclipse du Soleil (Munjiz), a winner over 2000m at four; to Al Theeb (Azadi), a winner over 2100m at four; and to Kiaora du Soleil (Mahabb), runner-up in a Gr.3 (PA) over 1900m at three.

Justin Leonard of the United States hoists the trophy after winning the Dominion Energy Charity Classic 2025 at The Country Club of Virginia on Sunday in Richmond, Virginia. AFP
Sport

Leonard eagles 18 to win Dominion Energy

Justin Leonard delivered an electrifying finish to open the PGA Tour Champions postseason.The 53-year-old rolled in an eagle on the par-5 18th at The Country Club of Virginia on Sunday, capping a 4-under-par 68 to win the Dominion Energy Charity Classic at 12 under. Leonard edged South Africa's Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn of Denmark by one stroke, securing his second victory of the season to go with February's Chubb Classic win."I've been on this nice run here the last three or four months and I've had some chances to win and played some pretty good golf," Leonard said after the win. "Maybe not my best golf through it, but today was really special on a really special golf course."Leonard's closing heroics flipped a leaderboard long controlled by Els. The Hall of Famer began the day in front and was still tied for the lead late before a bogey at the par-4 17th dropped him to 11 under. Needing birdie on 18 to force a playoff, Els' putt stayed on the high side of the cup, leaving Leonard's eagle as the tournament winner. Els signed for an even-par 72 and Bjorn matched Leonard's 4-under 68 to share runner-up honors."I feel for Ernie," Leonard said. "Golly, he's played so good. It feels like he could have won 12 tournaments this year. Fortunately, today was just my day."After going bogey-free in each of the first two rounds, Els had three bogeys and three birdies in Sunday's final round. He said that he found the wind difficult, admitting it played a big part in his finish to the round."Yeah, I played good. It was very tough conditions today," Els said. "Got totally screwed on 17 and 18, that was the breaks I got. Hey, listen, we played good and came up short again, so disappointing. Got to keep going."The win vaults Leonard up eight spots to ninth in the Charles Schwab Cup standings as the three-event playoffs move to the Simmons Bank Championship in Little Rock, Ark. Only the top 54 in the standings advanced on Sunday. Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain and Stewart Cink remain in the top two spots in the standings, while Els jumped up a spot to third with his performance.Scott Parel snuck in with a tie for 21st place, bumping David Bransdon out of the postseason. After next week, the field will be trimmed again, down to 36, for the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix.

Saad Bin Ali al-Kharji and Steve Harvey in Doha for the signing of a multi-year entertainment partnership between Visit Qatar and MELT Live Wednesday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam
Qatar

Visit Qatar to bring FuelFest and Steve Harvey’s Golf Classic to Doha

Visit Qatar signed a multi-year entertainment partnership with MELT Live, the global events company chaired by entertainment icon Steve Harvey, aimed at establishing the country as a premier hub for culture, lifestyle, and world-class events.The collaboration, sealed in Doha Wednesday, will introduce internationally recognised platforms to Qatar, with two flagship events set to debut in 2026.The signing ceremony was led by Qatar Tourism chair and chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji and MELT Live Events chairman Steve Harvey.FuelFest Qatar, a high-energy festival that merges international car culture with live music, is designed to unite automotive enthusiasts and feature global talent; while the Golf Classic by Steve Harvey is a unique lifestyle and sporting event blending competitive golf, top-tier entertainment, and celebrity participation, intended to provide a major platform for global exposure.Al-Kharji highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, saying: “This strategic collaboration with MELT Live reflects our ambition to strengthen Qatar’s position as a global destination for major cultural and lifestyle events.“By introducing distinctive international platforms such as FuelFest and the Golf Classic, we are diversifying Qatar’s events calendar, creating new opportunities for engagement, and showcasing the country’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.”Speaking at the announcement, Harvey underlined the foundational philosophy of his company and his attraction to the region, noting that “MELT is an acronym: M stands for the merging of cultures and ideas; E is for the enlightenment and empowerment of people; L is for learning and leadership; T is for trade and technology”.He said the launch of MELT Live in the Gulf region was motivated by the desire to merge global ideas and address misconceptions about the Middle East.“The appeal was to come here and to open up other people’s eyes about the Middle East to try to get rid of some of the misconceptions here,” Harvey said, highlighting Qatar’s unique characteristics.“I've never been anywhere where there’s complete peace... The whole thing about MELT was the merging of cultures and ideas because we have more similarities as people than we do differences,” he added.Harvey said the initial events are designed to introduce high-profile business and celebrity figures to the region. He noted that FuelFest, which originated as a spin-off from the Fast & Furious film franchise, draws large international audiences and significant automotive presence.“The future looks so bright, we could do so many things because of the willingness of Qatar, just the openness that they have towards us. It’s an honour to be in Qatar to witness this exciting new chapter with Visit Qatar and MELT Live. These events are about more than entertainment – they’re about building connections, celebrating culture, and creating unforgettable experiences,” he added.According to Visit Qatar, this landmark agreement marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration and underscores its commitment to expanding the nation’s events portfolio, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, and attracting global audiences to experience Qatar’s unique blend of hospitality and world-class entertainment.A diverse calendar of additional events is currently being planned by MELT Live and Visit Qatar, with more information expected to be announced in the coming months.

QTerminals Qatar Classic 2025 winners Paul Coll (left) and Hania El Hammamy following their title wins in the men’s and women’s finals respectively at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha Saturday. Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federations president Nasser al-Khelaifi and secretary-general Tariq Zainal were present at the prize distribution ceremony.
Sport

Coll, El Hammamy emerge champions

World No 3 Paul Coll has become the first player from New Zealand to win the prestigious QTerminals Qatar Classic after ending a six-match losing run against World No 1 Mostafa Asal in Doha.Coll has been on the wrong end of a final result three times previously in Doha – the PSA World Championships in 2019 as well as at this tournament in 2020 and 2021.However, an immaculate performance from the 33-year-old saw him finally get his hands on a title here at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, winning 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5.It’s been a roller coaster season so far for Coll, who began the season with victory at the London Classic before suffering one of the sport’s biggest ever upsets when he lost to World No 252 Adam Hawal at the CIB Egyptian Open last month.However, he bounced back in the best possible way, turning recent history against Asal on its head. It was a measured display which saw him get up the court and hunt the volley, keeping his opponent behind him to prevent Asal from putting in one of his trademark powerhouse performances.‘The Raging Bull’ threatened a shift in momentum after winning the second game, but Coll’s accuracy and court craft were exemplary as he pulled away to secure his 30th PSA title.It’s Coll’s first major PSA title since the Hong Kong Open in December 2023.“I was on top of the world in London and then probably one of the darkest I’ve ever been after (the loss to Hawal),” said Coll.El Hammamy Beats ElSherbini to win back-to-back titlesWorld No 2 Hania El Hammamy has made it two wins from two this season on the PSA Squash Tour after a sublime performance saw her defeat last year’s QTerminals Qatar Classic champion Nour ElSherbini in Doha in straight games.El Hammamy began her season with silverware at the CIB Egyptian Open last month, and she continued her perfect start to the 2025-26 campaign with an 11-6, 15-13, 11-8 triumph against the defending champion to win the Qatar Classic for the second time.The match was a repeat of last season’s PSA World Championships final, with El Hammamy looking to put recent history behind her following just two wins over the eight-time World Champion in their last 10 matches.The 25-year-old stormed out of the traps Saturday at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. El Hammamy was aggressive at the front of the court and cut the ball in short, with a sluggish ElSherbini struggling to get going.After a one-sided first game went the way of El Hammamy, ElSherbini came to the party in the second game and put her fellow Egyptian under significant pressure.The World No 3 raised her level and was clinical with her attacks, initially overturning two games balls and holding the same amount of game balls herself.El Hammamy wasn’t to be denied though and her accuracy was too good for her opponent, taking three points in a row to double her lead.The third game was nip and tuck until El Hammamy started to pull away at 5-5.El Hammamy’s rapid retrieval skills and ability to nullify ElSherbini on the backhand side saw her move into an unassailable lead, and there was no stopping her from collecting her 17th PSA title.“It’s the first time I’ve won two titles back-to-back, it’s a dream start,” said El Hammamy.“I never have a very good start to the season, so it’s been memorable.“I’ve never been in this position before, I’m pretty pleased and I’m enjoying myself on court. I haven’t made a lot of changes (in the off season), but I’m on the right track and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.“I’m hoping (to reach World No 1 this season), but I don’t want to put expectations on myself. If I keep on improving at every tournament, then hopefully I can end as the World No 1.”

Egypt’s Mostafa Asal beat compatriot Fares Dessouky 11-4, 11-6, 11-6.
Sport

Asal to take on Coll in Qatar Classic final

World No 1 Mostafa Asal is one win away from winning a first QTerminals Qatar Classic title after downing fellow Egyptian Fares Dessouky in Friday’s semi-finals.Dessouky was appearing in his first major semi-final since May 2021 but ran into an opponent in red-hot form with Asal winning 11-4, 11-6, 11-6 in 42 minutes.Asal, who won the Egyptian Open title last month, has now reached his ninth successive PSA final and will take on World No 3 Paul Coll in final.Asal had only lost once to Dessouky in his last six matches coming into the match and he continued where he left off in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza last month.Coll hasn’t beaten Asal in their six previous matches, with their last match seeing Asal win in straight games in the semis of last season’s PSA World Championships.“Credit to Fares, he’s a good fighter and he can beat anyone when he’s on form,” said Asal. “He could be a World No.1 easily. I know how dangerous he is, so I had to put work into him in the beginning.“It will be a tough battle tomorrow and I know the crowd will be on my side tomorrow. It feels like home here and you see so many familiar faces and family friends.”Coll reached his third final in Qatar after a convincing victory over England’s rising star Jonah Bryant. Coll suffered a shock defeat to World No 252 Adam Hawal in round two of the Egyptian Open last month, but the 33-year-old has bounced back in the best possible way, with an 11-5, 11-3, 11-5 win over Bryant sending him through to a 49th PSA final.Bryant was appearing in his first Platinum semi-final after his titanic battle with Abdulla al-Tamimi was cut short yesterday due to a suspected Achilles rupture sustained by the Qatari No 1 in the decider.It followed up a hugely impressive win over World Junior Champion Mohamad Zakaria in the round prior to that, but today’s match against Coll proved a step too far for the 20-year-old.Both players train together as part of Rob Owen’s coaching stable, but Coll came out firing and dictated the tempo of the match, sapping the energy from the youngsters legs to win in three.“I wanted to make it all about me and go out there and play my game,” said Coll.“I had a big one last night but woke up feeling pretty good. I can’t think about that, I know how tough he is and what he possesses, I knew he was never going to give up, so I had to stay on it.“I’m super proud of him. He’s continuously putting in work and looking for ways to improve. He has one of the best attitudes in a young guy I’ve seen for a while, I’ve got massive respect for him.”

Qatar’s Abdulla al-Tamimi during his win over Sebastien Bonmalais of France at QTerminals Qatar Classic Tuesday. Al-Tamimi won 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7 in 56 minutes.
Sport

Home hope al-Tamimi in quarters, to take on Bryant

Qatari player Abdullah al-Tamimi on Tuesday reached the quarter-finals of the Q-Terminals Qatar Classic 2025 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. Al-Tamimi beat Frenchman Sebastien Bonmalais 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7.In the quarter-finals, al-Tamimi will meet England’s Jonah Bryant, who defeated Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria 3-2 (6-11, 16-14, 10-12, 11-9, 11-7).The day began with a roar as the local hope, al-Tamimi, stepped onto the glass court. Pitted against Bonmalais, al-Tamimi had to dig deep.Losing the first game 8-11, the Qatari refused to wilt. Fuelled by the home crowd’s fervour, he wrestled back control, securing the next three tight games (11-9, 11-7, 11-7) in a focused 56-minute display, ensuring the flag of Qatar flew high into the next round.“I’m feeling amazing, it’s been a good season and I always enjoy playing here at home,” said al-Tamimi.“Nobody gives up and everyone is fighting to win the match, there are a lot of opportunities with a lot of the seeds being out and you can see the fight in people’s eyes. I knew I had the edge, but he surprised me with his movement today.“It’s been a long time since I’ve reached the quarter-finals here. I’m looking forward to playing Jonah again after losing 3-0 to him in Egypt (earlier this month). I wasn’t happy about that, but hopefully we give a good show for the crowd.”England’s World No 20 Bryant came out on top in a gripping five-game battle with World No 14 Zakaria.Bryant, 20, and Zakaria, 18, have been touted as future World No.1s by fans and SQUASHTV pundits alike and Tuesday’s match gave a tantalising glimpse into what could be yet to come, with Bryant prevailing after a 109-minute thriller.The pair had one win each against each other on the PSA Squash Tour, while Zakaria got the better of Bryant in the final of the 2024 British Junior Open last year. However, things went the way of the Englishman Tuesday in Doha as he completed an 6-11, 16-14, 10-12, 11-9, 11-7 victory to reach his first Platinum-level quarter-final.“I put a lot of work in, in the background, to be able to perform like this physically,” said Bryant afterwards.“It all seems worthwhile when you then go out and do it on the court for 109 minutes. I started off fairly well, I was controlling a lot of the rallies, there were a few too many errors early on, but then I settled. I saw he was dropping off physically, so I stepped up and started attacking more. He’s as tough as they come, so I was pleased with the result.“He shot himself in the foot, they (referees) are hot on players taking their space, they can slow it down and review it. A lot of the shots he hit would have been winners, if he let me go through it would have been harder for me to win rallies.“He gave me free points, it’s up to him if he wants to keep doing it, it might work for him, but today it worked against him.”World No 3 Paul Coll and Egypt’s World No 23 Mohamed Abouelghar will face off in the other quarter-final match on the bottom half of the men’s draw following respective wins over Switzerland’s Dimitri Steinmann and Spain’s Iker Pajares.France’s Melissa Alves has reached her first Platinum quarter-final since the 2021 US Open after going through at the expense of Malaysia’s Aira Azman, who was forced to retire due to a concussion.Azman was looking to join compatriots Sivasangari Subramaniam and sister Aira in the next round but fell and hit her head on the floor while chasing a ball into the back of the court when 2-1 ahead. Azman was unable to continue the match.

Aira Azman celebrates beating Egypt’s Zeina Mickawy in the last eight of the QTerminals Qatar Classic.
Sport

Azman reaches first Platinum quarter-final on day two of Qatar Classic

World No.26 Aira Azman celebrated her 21st birthday by reaching the quarter-finals of a Platinum-level PSA Squash Tour event for the first time, beating Egypt’s Zeina Mickawy to join fellow Malaysian Sivasangari Subramaniam in the last eight of the QTerminals Qatar Classic.There was delight for the home fans when Abdulla al-Tamimi beat compatriot Ali al-Darwish in straight sets. Al-Tamimi won 11-4, 11-7, 11-3 in 24 minutes. In the next round, al-Tamimi will face Frenchman Sebastien Bonmalais who beat Egypt's Aly Abou Eleinen 11-7, 2-0 ret. (12m)It will be the first time since the 2015 British Open that two Malaysian women have reached the quarter-finals of a major PSA tournament at the same time, with eight-time World Champion Nicol David and former World No.12 Delia Arnold achieving that feat a decade ago.Azman beat Mickawy 11-8, 11-7, 13-11 to set up a quarter-final match with World No.5 Amina Orfi, while Sivasangari overcame Belgium’s Nele Gilis in a clinical straight-games win.“It’s my first time playing this tournament and first time in a Platinum quarter, so they are big [ranking] points for me, which has boosted my confidence,” said Azman afterwards.“Today is my birthday too, so I’m very happy to reach the quarter-finals. I was really into my game plan in the first two games, I was sharp, I lost a bit of focus and she came back. But I managed to get back on top to win in three.“I will celebrate with my sister [Aifa], but she has a match tomorrow, so I hope she wins that. Amina was really sharp today, I’ve played her at the World Juniors two years ago, but there is no pressure on me, she’s the World No.5.”2023 champion Hania El Hammamy continued her title challenge with a 3-1 victory over England No.2 Jasmine Hutton. El Hammamy conceded the first game after Hutton stormed out of the traps in an attacking start, but El Hammamy weathered the storm to take three unanswered games. El Hammamy will play Sivasangari next.“It’s always tough playing against Jasmine, and it always goes to four,” said El Hammamy afterwards.“I know how dangerous she is, she’s very talented and she has good hands. On this court specifically, it was always going to be tough. The ball dies so quickly in the front and it takes a good, accurate length. She was better in the first game, her accuracy was higher than mine, so I tried to level up my accuracy and be more up to it, and I think that was the difference in the end.”World No.15 Fares Dessouky has reached the last eight after coming out on top in a five-game battle against India’s Abhay Singh, coming back from 2-1 down to win 11-13, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3.It’s the first time in over three years that Dessouky has reached back-to-back quarter-finals at major PSA events, having also reached the last eight at the CIB Egyptian Open earlier this month. He will play fellow Egyptian Youssef Ibrahim for a place in the semi-finals.“It was a very tough match and I had to dig in every game,” said Dessouky.“I put two balls in the tin [at the end of the first game], so it was difficult mentally to back up and get the second game. I’m proud I did that and kept pushing. I thought about the mistakes I was making in the early stages and cut down the errors, which worked.”World No.1 Mostafa Asal booked his spot in the quarter-finals after a straightforward win over Frenchman Gregoire Marche. Asal, who reached the final last year and won the CIB Egyptian Open earlier this month alongside El Hammamy, will play fellow Egyptian Youssef Soliman next.“He’s 35 years of age and he’s a legend,” said Asal.“He’s a warrior, a fighter, and he gives 100 percent inside the court to entertain us. I’ve been watching him since he was very young and he’s played his 500th match this tournament, which is absolutely superb. It was a tough match, but I adapted to the court and atmosphere.”

Gulf Times
Sport

Zakaria upsets Makin as seeds tumble on day one of Qatar Classic

Egypt’s World No.14 Mohamad Zakaria earned the biggest win of his career to date after taking out World No.4 Joel Makin on a day which saw eight of the top 16 seeds exit the Platinum-level QTerminals Qatar Classic in round one. Zakaria had lost out to No.3 seed Makin in the third round of the CIB Egyptian Open earlier this month but dominated proceedings at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, winning 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 in 67 minutes to score his first win over a player inside the world’s top four. “I’m over the moon, as soon as I lost the match against him in Giza, I started training with [former World No.1] Jonathon Power for this match,” said 18-year-old Zakaria afterwards. “The plan we had worked so well, I was more attacking, more positive, and I brought the game to him. I was so happy with my short game and I did very well today. “The Platinum events now are so tricky, anyone can play anyone, and it’s more edgy, I knew the draw was open going in and I liked how I took the opportunity today, I was very sharp from the beginning. This is the biggest win of my career, I’ve been waiting for a big win on the glass.” Zakaria will go up against Englishman Jonah Bryant in the last 16, with Bryant beating Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller. Egypt’s Youssef Ibrahim is also through after upsetting World No.6 Marwan ElShorbagy, winning 16-14, 11-7, 12-10. No.4 seed ElShorbagy held a 9-8 lead in the third game, but two strokes against the Englishman quickly handed the momentum back to Ibrahim, with the second stroke being given against ElShorbagy due to dissent. Ibrahim then converted to set up a second round match with ElShorbagy’s fellow Englishman, Curtis Malik. “I’m very pleased with the way everything went, the first game was very important for both of us,” Ibrahim said. “It’s a very tricky court, but we both managed to perform our best, especially in the first game. It was a mental battle with Marwan and I’m very happy with the way I handled the big points, I didn’t make many errors. I didn’t want to have too many interactions with the referee and I think that’s what made the difference.” Two former champions in Karim Gawad and Mohamed ElShorbagy saw their events come to an end against lower-ranked opposition. Gawad fell to India’s Abhay Singh, while ElShorbagy lost out to Spain’s Iker Pajares. In the women’s event, Malaysia’s Aira Azman got the better of No.5 seed Satomi Watanabe, while No.8 seed Georgina Kennedy saw her tournament come to an end against France’s Melissa Alves. Azman came back from two games down against Watanabe to claim her first win over the World No.6 to reach the last 16 of the Qatar Classic for the first time. “I’m very happy with the way I played today, I always seem to go 2-0 down and then get ready to play the next three [games],” said Azman, who will play Zeina Mickawy next. “She came with a good plan, but eventually I reset and focused on my shots and length more. I went back to basics to win the match. I don’t remember my previous matches against her, I think they were three years ago when I played my first Platinum event. She’s a top player and No.6 in the world, so I’ve watched a lot of her matches. I’m glad my plan worked today.” USA’s World No.4 Olivia Weaver was the other seed to bow out of the tournament after she withdrew from her match against Egypt’s Farida Mohamed due to a reoccurrence of the adductor injury that saw her pull out of the London Classic earlier this month. Defending champion Nour El Sherbini began her tournament with a comfortable 11-8, 11-8, 11-4 win against fellow Egyptian Sana Ibrahim. The eight-time World Champion will play World No.52 Nour Heikal next. “I’m happy to be back, it’s one of the best tournaments, if not the best,” said El Sherbini afterwards. “Coming back to a tournament you won last year, you feel the memories. I love this court and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen this week. “I didn’t have the best start to the new season, so I went home, regrouped, and I wanted to get off to a good start here. Sana is an amazing player, it was a tricky first round and she has good hands. I wanted to be more aggressive and play my game more.”

Muhammad Al-Mudahka, president of Qatar Chess Association
Sport

Second Qatar Classic Chess Cup underway

The second annual Qatar Classic Chess Cup is underway, bringing together 30 of Qatar's top male and female chess players. The tournament, which runs until September 13th at the Qatar Training Center, will be a seven-round Swiss system event.The opening match featured a face-off between Al-Ustad Hussain Aziz and his opponent, Ali Al-Nuaimi, presided over by Muhammad al-Mudahka, president of Qatar Chess Association (QCA). Leading the men's division is the top-ranked player, Al-Kabeer Al-Kawari, alongside fellow national team members like Irfan Muhammad and Hamad al-Kuwari. The women's tournament features eight players, including Salama al-Khalifi and Ayesha al-Khalifi.Al-Mudahka told Qatar News Agency that he was thrilled about the tournament, which is using the new International Chess Federation law for the first time. He said the event is a key part of the federation's annual calendar and a way to identify the best players to represent Qatar in future international competitions. Hamad Al-Tamimi, the Executive Director of the federation, echoed this, noting that the tournament offers national team players a crucial chance to prepare for upcoming events and to hone their skills in a competitive setting.

Gulf Times
Sport

Al-Attiya’s Al Zeer battles to victory in Gr3 PA President of UAE Cup

Al Zeer, a tough and consistent 5-year-old, captured the Gr.3 (PA) President of the U.A.E Cup, the 11th leg of the Arabian Purebred Classic Series, at Waregem, Belgium, Tuesday. The race, run over 2170m, attracted a field of 12 Purebred Arabians aged four and older.Trained by François Rohaut, ridden by Luka Delozier and owned by Mohammed bin Fahad AH al-Attiya, Al Zeer arrived in Belgium following an excellent second place in a Gr.3 (PA) over 2150m at Duindigt. Already a Gr.2 (PA) winner last season, he added another important Group victory to his CV with a display of determination.Smartly away, Al Zeer settled in fourth, but was stuck three wide without cover, as Joe Star set the pace with Norma Al Maury (Azadi) tracking in second. With one circuit to go and passing the stands, Al Zeer improved into third, travelling on the outside with positions largely unchanged.Down the back straight, Joe Star lifted the tempo, pressed by Norma Al Maury on his inside, with Al Zeer shadowing the leader from the outside. Entering the final bend, the long-time leader kicked a length clear, but Al Zeer loomed strongly. In a thrilling duel through the final furlong, Al Zeer dug deep, wearing down Joe Star to take victory. Nabucco Al Maury finished well to claim third.Bred by MBF, Al Zeer is out of Assma Al Khalediah, a three-time winner between 1900m and 2100m at four and runner-up in a Gr.2 (PA) over 2200m at five. He is a half-brother to Fazza Al Khalediah, a dual Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2000m at four and six and multiple Group 1 placed. Assma Al Khalediah is also a half-sister to Ocyrrhoe, a Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2000m at four.

Gulf Times
Sport

Asal and Gohar top draws for QTerminals Qatar Classic 2025

The draws for the first Platinum event of the 2025/26 PSA Squash Tour season have been released, with World No.1s Mostafa Asal and Nouran Gohar named as the top seeds for the QTerminals Qatar Classic 2025.Returning to the PSA calendar for its 22nd edition, the QTerminals Qatar Classic will see 64 of the world's leading squash players descend upon the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha from September 28th to October 4th. Every second of action will be available to watch live on SQUASHTV.Current World Champion Asal leads the men's field and will arrive targeting a first Qatar Classic title of his career. Last year, 'The Raging Bull' enjoyed a standout season, which yielded seven title successes and just six defeats from his 60 matches on the PSA Squash Tour.At the other end of the draw, World No.2 Diego Elias has been named as the No.2 seed and will return to defend the trophy he captured in stunning fashion 12 months ago. Last year, the 28-year-old defeated then-World No.1 Ali Farag and Asal in straight games each to lift the title, whilst also having won the event back in 2021. Elias will also be hoping to replicate his recent form against Asal if they were to meet in the final, having defeated the World No.1 in six of their last seven meetings on tour.Elias can be found in the same half of the draw as No.4 seed Joel Makin, who ended his 2024/25 campaign in superb form, capturing the first major title of his career at the PSA Squash Tour Finals. The 30-year-old Welshman will have to be on his guard right from the get-go, however, having drawn two-time World Junior Champion Mohamad Zakaria in round one, before a potential second-round tie with fellow up-and-coming talent Jonah Bryant.World No.4 Paul Coll has been handed an equally tough draw, with the hugely talented World No.10 Youssef Ibrahim awaiting the Kiwi in what could prove to be a blockbuster first-round tie.Two Englishmen and two Egyptians occupy the 5/8 seeding positions in the men's draw, with the ElShorbagy brothers, Mohamed and Marwan, joined by Karim Abdel Gawad and Youssef Soliman. England's Mohamed has enjoyed vast success at the Qatar Classic, picking up the title in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2022 and will open his account against Spanish No.1 Iker Pajares.Meanwhile, in the women's draw, World No.1 Nouran Gohar and World No.2 Nour El Sherbini have been named as the top two seeds in their respective halves of the draw, with Gohar arriving looking to overturn her five-game defeat to her arch-rival in last year's final. 'The Terminator' has won almost all there is to win in the sport, but the Qatar Classic crown is a piece of silverware that has eluded her since its return to the PSA calendar in 2023. Her account begins with a tricky opening round match against British No.1 Georgina Kennedy.Gohar can be found in the same half of the draw as World No.4 Olivia Weaver, who will be looking to continue where she left off at the backend of the 2024/25 season. The USA No.1 reached her maiden major final on tour at the PSA Squash Tour Finals, but is still eying a first career win against any of the established 'Big Three' in the women's game.Elsewhere, El Sherbini faces a potential blockbuster semi-final with World No.3 Hania El Hammamy, if the pair were to come through their respective draws. The last two editions of the Qatar Classic have seen the Egyptian pair deliver two five-game thrillers, with the winner of their encounter going on to pick up the title on both occasions.Further back in the top-eight seedings, three-time World Junior Champion Amina Orfi, Japan's Satomi Watanabe, Belgium's No.1 Tinne Gilis and Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam will all be hoping to launch bids into the latter stages of the event.Local favourite Abdulla al-Tamimi will lead Qatari hopes as he makes his tenth appearance at the Platinum-level event. The World No.22 takes on compatriot and tournament wildcard Ali al-Darwish in round one, while the second wildcard in the men's event, Salem al-Malki, faces Fares Dessouky.The DrawWomen's:[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Georgina Kennedy (ENG)Nada Abbas (EGY) v Jasmine Hutton (ENG)Georgia Adderley (SCO) v Nele Gilis (BEL)[WC] Nadine Shahin (EGY) v [8] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS)[6] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) v Aira Azman (MAS)Zeina Mickawy (EGY) v Rachel Arnold (MAS)Hana Ramadan (EGY) v Marina Stefanoni (USA)Kenzy Ayman (EGY) v [3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY)[4] Olivia Weaver (USA) v Farida Mohamed (EGY)Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) v Mariam Metwally (EGY)Tesni Murphy (WAL) v Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)Ka Yi Lee (HKG) v [7] Tinne Gilis (BEL)[5] Amina Orfi (EGY) v Melissa Alves (FRA)Aifa Azman (MAS) v Tomato Ho (HKG)[WC] Nour Heikal (EGY) v Hana Moataz (EGY)Sana Ibrahim (EGY) v [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)Men's:[1] Mostafa Asal (EGY) v Ramit Tandon (IND)Baptiste Masotti (FRA) v Gregoire Marche (FRA)Declan James (ENG) v Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY)Greg Lobban (SCO) v [8] Youssef Soliman (EGY)[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Abhay Singh (IND)Fares Dessouky (EGY) v [WC] Salem al-Malki (QAT)Curtis Malik (ENG) v Juan Vargas (COL)Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) v [3] Paul Coll (NZL)[4] Joel Makin (WAL) v Mohamad Zakaria (EGY)Jonah Bryant (ENG) v Nicolas Mueller (SUI)Abdulla al-Tamimi (QAT) v Ali al-Darwish (QAT)Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA) v [5] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG)[7] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) v Iker Pajares (ESP)Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v Raphael Kandra (GER)Mazen Hesham (EGY) v Dimitri Steinmann (SUI)Eain Yow Ng (MAS) v [2] Diego Elias (PER)