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Aryna Sabalenka beat Karolina Muchova in straight sets to reach her third Brisbane International final in a row Saturday, a week before the Australian Open.Sabalenka looked in great touch against the tricky Czech, who had won their last three meetings and went into the match as one of the few players with a winning record over the world number one.But Sabalenka showed her class and power as she broke Muchova once in each set to take the semi-final 6-3, 6-4 in 89 minutes and will face Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in Sunday's women's final.Former world number one Daniil Medvedev will take on unseeded American Brandon Nakashima in the men's final."I struggled against her a couple of times (in the past)," Sabalenka, the defending champion, said of Muchova."I'm happy that today I was focused from the beginning and I was able to show such great tennis and put her under so much pressure and get the win in straight sets."The 27-year-old Belarusian said she could feel her level getting better with every match in Brisbane, where she is yet to drop a set.She said that with seven of the world's top 10 having entered, it was ideal preparation for the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on January 18.Sabalenka is aiming to win a third Australian Open in four years."I definitely feel that compared to the first match here, I'm playing better and better," she said."That's really important heading to Melbourne, to build that level, and to play some great matches against great opponents."So I'm super happy with the performance so far and cannot wait to play my final match here."Kostyuk, who entered the week ranked 26th in the world, swept past world number six Jessica Pegula 6-0, 6-3 in just 55 minutes in a stunning display of power and aggression.Kostyuk's demolition of the American made it three wins over top 10 players in succession.She beat world number three Amanda Anisimova in the third round and ninth-ranked Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals."I think it was one of those days today when everything you touch turns into gold," Kostyuk said."Personally, I didn't have many matches like this in my career, especially against top-10 players, so it's a great bonus to have such a match because it's not easy conditions in Brisbane. It's very hot, very humid."Kostyuk has never beaten Sabalenka in four previous meetings but said the pressure was all on her opponent."The pressure is not on me -- I want to go out there and put on a good show for the crowd," she said."I really have nothing to lose."In the men's draw, top seed Medvedev beat Alex Michelsen of the United States 6-4, 6-2 while Nakashima defeated another American in Aleksandar Kovacevic, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4. 

Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen announced Thursday that she was withdrawing from the Australian Open later this month due to a lack of physical conditioning. The Chinese player is a former finalist at the year’s opening Grand Slam, losing to current world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2 in 2024. Zheng underwent surgery on her elbow following a first round defeat at Wimbledon in July before returning to the WTA Tour in September. However, she pulled out in the third round of the China Open in Beijing after admitting that she had rushed her return to competitive action. “After careful evaluation by my team and following medical advice, unfortunately I will be withdrawing from the 2026 Australian Open,” Zheng wrote on Instagram. “Although my recovery is progressing well and my offseason has gone smoothly, to play a Grand Slam requires players to maintain an extreme competitive condition. “Currently, I have not yet reached my best condition that I have set for myself.” The Australian Open, which begins on January 18, was where Zheng recorded her first Grand Slam victory and also her best Grand Slam result, although last year shewas knocked out in the second round. The 23-year-old had a standout 2024, beating Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-3 to claim Olympic gold in Paris and also reaching the final of WTA Finals, losing to Coco Gauff in a deciding set tiebreak. 

World number four Coco Gauff suffered her first-ever defeat at the United Cup Monday when she was stunned by Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-0 in a blow to her Australian Open preparations. But after Taylor Fritz won to level the tie for the United States, Gauff made amends with Christian Harrison in the mixed doubles, beating Ivonne Cavalle-Reimers and Inigo Cervantes 7-6 (7/5), 6-0 to seal a quarter-final spot. Gauff had won all six of her previous United Cup singles matches for the USA and had a 3-0 record in mixed doubles. It was the first win over a top-five player for Bouzas Maneiro. “I know Coco and she’s a fighter,” the 42nd-ranked Bouzas Maneiro said in Perth. “She’s there all the time in the match, so I knew that I had to be there. Even if you are 3-0 or 4-0 up, you have to be ready.” World number four Fritz, who is battling a knee problem, needed more than three hours to beat Jaume Munar 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 7-6 (8/6). “I was getting exhausted late in the second set, I had to unload five or six shots just to win a single point,” said Fritz, who saved a match point in the third set tiebreak. “I started feeling my knee towards the end but it didn’t get any worse. It was not bad enough to stop me from playing through.” Bold win for HurkaczIn Sydney, Germany’s world number three Alexander Zverev was also on the end of a shock United Cup result, beaten 6-3, 6-4 by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, who had not played since June because of knee surgery. “It’s been a while since I’ve been competing. Seven months I’ve been going through difficult times with the team and it was very challenging,” Hurkacz said. “We went through a long period of time not competing and not knowing when we would be able to be back on court again. “I was just trying to cherish and enjoy every moment here on the court today.” Former world number six Hurkacz has tumbled to 83rd in the rankings but faced just one break point in his 83-minute victory. “I was serving quite well. I was finding nice spots, so that’s definitely a nice feeling to really have good rhythm on the serve,” Hurkacz said. “Just so pleased with the performance and just also so much fun to see the fans again.” Swiatek fights backIga Swiatek closed out the tie for Poland defeating Eva Lys in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 fightback. Earlier the Czech Republic knocked out Norway with a 3-0 win in Sydney. Greece swept to an unassailable 2-0 lead over Britain as Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Billy Harris 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) and Maria Sakkari beat Emma Raducanu for the first time, stopped the 2021 US Open champion 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. ‘Fed up with losing’“I got fed up with losing tight matches like this,” two-time Grand Slam finalist Tsitsipas said of his victory. “I used all of my power to make sure it did not happen again. “I’ve not played such a high-quality match in a long time.” The Australian Open starts on January 18. 

Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams said Sunday she's still driven to play good tennis - and "it gives you great legs" - as she prepares for an Australian Open tilt at age 45.Williams will become the oldest woman to play in the main draw at the season-opening Grand Slam after accepting a wildcard, five years after she last competed in Melbourne.The American said she was unaware of the record she was poised to break, adding she didn't have the same intense approach to achieving milestones as in her prime.However, her drive to succeed on court remained."I think one of my goals is to be joyful and just embrace being uncomfortable because that's the things champions can do," she said."I definitely don't wake up and come halfway across the world -- or more than halfway -- to not be feeling the fire."And, well, tennis burns a lot of calories. It gives you great legs. I figure if I want to stay fit, I've got to keep playing."A five-time Wimbledon champion, Williams was an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017 and won the doubles title four times alongside sister Serena.Williams' last tournament was the US Open in August, not long after returning from a 16-month break.She will play warmup events in Auckland next week and Hobart ahead of the January 18-February 1 Australian Open and hoped she can shake rust out of her system."It's interesting because I have so much experience, but I've probably played the least amount as any other player in this draw," Williams told reporters in Auckland."So I have a lot to pull out but I also have to come out of the gates playing quickly."The good news is that, you know, tennis matches are long and you have a chance to figure things out."Her first opponent in Auckland on Monday will be Polish fifth seed and world No.54 Magda Linette. 

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios reprised their triumphant Australian Open partnership by winning their ‌opening match at the ‌Brisbane International Sunday, as the 'Special Ks' also marked their ⁠return from long-term ⁠injuries.It was the first match on ‍the ATP tour in 167 days for Kyrgios, while Kokkinakis played for the first time since suffering a pectoral injury in January 2025, as the pair beat ‌Matthew Ebden and Rajeev Ram 5-7 6-4 10-8."I'm about to tear up," an ‍emotional Kokkinakis said ⁠in the ‌post-match interview."It's crazy. I haven't played a match in 12 months... I underwent surgery a year ago with no guarantee I would be back playing. So it's been a long year, a challenging one a lot of times, where I thought ​the game was ‌done for me. So I chipped away at ⁠it."Kyrgios and ‍Kokkinakis won the men's doubles title in the Australian Open 2022. The pair reunited ahead of last year's Australian Open, but their campaign ended ​in the first round due to Kokkinakis's injury."It's doubles but it means everything. This is a good stepping stone," Kokkinakis added.The Australian duo will face French sixth seeds Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul in the ⁠second round. 

Magnus Carlsen will once again be the central attraction when the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships takes place in Doha from December 26 to 30.The former world champion arrives as the top seed in both the Open Rapid and Open Blitz events, boasting ratings of 2824 and 2881 respectively, and is widely regarded as the favourite to claim at least one title in the Qatari capital. Carlsen shared the Blitz gold at last year’s championships in New York and will be eager to reclaim outright honours.The tournament, which will hosted at the Sports and Events Complex at Qatar University, marks Doha’s return as venue after nine years and features a prize pool exceeding €1mn, attracting the world’s elite. This year’s championships include Open and women’s events in both Rapid and Blitz formats, with 233 players entered in the Blitz Open and 230 competing in the Rapid event.From Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi to Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Arjun Erigaisi, the Open section is stacked with top players – clear favourites on paper, yet facing a hungry field of challengers.Here is a look at the top-rated 10 players in the Open section.Magnus CarlsenMagnus Carlsen arrives in Doha as the top seed in both Open Rapid (2824) and Open Blitz (2881). He won the world rapid crown five times (2014, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023) and the world blitz as many as eight times (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024; albeit, the 2024 title is shared with Nepomniachtchi). With 12 total crowns, he is by far the most successful player in blitz and rapid formats.By his own confession, Carlsen is more interested in faster formats than classical chess. He continues to show that in 2025 – winning the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz in Croatia and taking the overall title in the “Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour” and the inaugural Chess Esports World Cup.However, this year’s appearance is different to previous ones at the WRB: Carlsen recently become a father which for most new parents usually means lack of sleep. Whether that will have an impact on his performance remains to be seen.Ian NepomniachtchiIan Nepomniachtchi is the second seed in both rapid and blitz in Doha, with ratings of 2762 and 2801 respectively. The two-time challenger for the title of world champion in classical chess has a collection of “almost victories” at the World Rapid and Blitz, with three silver and two bronze medals from in rapid (including from Warsaw 2021, where he finished second on tiebreak, behind Abdusattorov). He also has a silver medal from the 2014 World Blitz in Dubai.Nepomniachtchi’s biggest success so far is sharing first place in the 2024 World Blitz in New York. Alongside Carlsen, Nepomniachtchi has for years been one of the central figures of the chess world, winning or placing near the top of the biggest events. In Doha he will be one of the main candidates for the crown in both formats.Levon AronianLevon Aronian is seeded third in rapid (2756) and fifth in blitz (2774). The last time he won the World Rapid was in 2009, and the World Blitz in 2010. At 43, he continues to hold his own against the hungry young lions coming up in chess.In 2025 he showed that he can still win the biggest events by defeating Carlsen in the final of the “Freestyle Chess Grand Slam” event in South Africa. With a long record of success in mixed rapid and blitz formats, Aronian is one of the toughest and most experiences competitors in Doha.Fabiano CaruanaFabiano Caruana is the fourth seed in rapid seventh in blitz, both with a rating of 2751. The former candidate for the world crown and five-time US champion, Caruana is a long-time member of the absolute elite of chess. He was among the top scorers in the 2024 WRB, and – when in form – he is extremely difficult to stop.In 2025 he continued to fight for top places in super-tournaments and will be one of the most formidable players in Doha.Maxime Vachier-LagraveSeeded fifth in the rapid (2730), and 11th in blitz (2745), Maxime Vachier- Lagrave is one of the most established stars in fast chess formats. In 2021 he won the World Blitz crown, edging out Jan-Krzysztof Duda in his native Warsaw.With a long list of rapid and blitz titles, France’s long-time number player, MVL has maintained high consistency throughout the years. He will arrive in Doha straight from the Global Chess League in Mumbai, where he leads the team of upGrad Mumbai Masters fighting in season three of the event.Vladislav ArtemievAlthough only 27, Vladislav Artemiev has long been a fixture in elite chess events. The Russian GM has won multiple blitz and rapid titles from Russian championships and strong online events such as the Champions Chess Tour and the Speed Chess Championship.Rapid and blitz formats are Artemiev’s forte. In Samarkand, in 2023, he finished third in the World Blitz – behind Carlsen and Dubov. This is his only World Rapid/Blitz medal so far (having narrowly missed on a medal in blitz in Warsaw). In Doha, he will be looking to change this and secure a medal in either or both formats.Nodirbek AbdusattorovNodirbek Abdusattorov first attracted global attention at the 2019 World Rapid and Blitz in Moscow, where he started the blitz tournament with 5/5 and then held Carlsen to a draw in round six in a very tense game. Since then, he rapidly rose to prominence, as a stellar exponent of Uzbekistan’s growing chess influence.The young Uzbek star has a World Rapid crown, which he won in 2021. He was the youngest ever World Rapid Champion at 17 years and three months. Now Uzbekistan’s biggest chess hope, he is on the rise, willing to take on anyone, hungry and strong, performing strongly wherever he appears.Abdusattorov’s main challenge will be to handle his ambition and steady the nerves as he fights with the old guard.Richard RapportThe Hungarian GM is recognized as one of the most original players at top-level; his games are among the most entertaining. In 2024 at the WRB Teams, he defeated Carlsen in just 23 moves. His best individual finish was eighth in Rapid and ninth in Blitz Championships in 2022. In 2025 Rapport has remained a regular in top invitational and rapid series, consistently delivering exciting games and strong results.Jan-Krzysztof DudaJan-Krzysztof Duda is the ninth seed in rapid (2711) and eighth in blitz (2750).The Polish grandmaster is a former World Cup winner and European Blitz Champion long regarded as one of the most dangerous players in fast controls. In 2025 he has been very active in the Grand Chess Tour rapid and blitz events, finishing high in the standings at both SuperUnited Croatia and the Superbet Poland legs.Arjun ErigaisiIndia’s top-rated player in classical chess arrives in Doha as the number eighth seed on the rapid list (2714) and ninth blitz (2749). In 2025 Erigaisi had a strong showing in several events with fast-paced time controls, including winning all three Chess.com “Freestyle Friday” events. Erigaisi was also part of the gold-medal-winning squad that at the World Rapid Team Chess Championship in London, earlier this year. Coming into Doha, he is seen as one of the leading representatives of India’s new wave in fast chess.Daniil DubovDaniil Dubov is third on the blitz seeding list with 2795 points and just outside the top ten in rapid. A former World Rapid Champion, Dubov claimed the title in 2018 in Saint Petersburg, finishing unbeaten with 11 points out of 15. Known as a sharp thinker both on and off the board Dubov is very popular among chess fans – his games and comments on chess are widely watched. A regular in online elite events, Dubov has also been picked up by esports organisation Team Spirit for the 2025 Chess Esports World Cup, cementing his reputation as a speed-chess specialist.Wesley SoWesley So is fourth on the blitz list with a rating of 2790 and among the rapid top twenty in Doha. The U.S. grandmaster has a long record of success in rapid and blitz, from winning the 2020 St Louis Rapid & Blitz to taking the first Chess.com Global Championship, and he remains one of the most solid players in all time formats. In 2025 he added another major title by winning the Sinquefield Cup after a playoff with Caruana and Praggnanandhaa, showing once again his strength under match and tiebreak pressure.Oleksandr BortnykOleksandr Bortnyk completes the blitz top ten in Doha, with an Elo rating of 2748. With multiple victories in Title Tuesday and Bullet Brawl on Chess.com, Bortnyk is recognised as one of the most dangerous players in blitz chess. Still, online and over-the-board are not the same. It is quite different when you play in the solitude of your own home compared to a crowded chess arena. Not being a regular at top events, unlike most other players on this list, means Bortnyk has less experience in the spotlight. Yet his underdog status in Doha may give him an extra boost. 

Serena Williams insisted she had no plans to make a return to tennis after her registration with the sport’s drug-testing body sparked reports of a dramatic comeback. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has not competed since a third-round loss at the 2022 US Open left her one short of the all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, held by Margaret Court in the women’s game and Novak Djokovic in men’s tennis. “It is correct that she is back on the Registered Testing Pool list,” Adrian Bassett, a spokesman for the the International Tennis Integrity Agency, the sport’s drug-testing body told AFP in London on Tuesday in response to media reports the 44-year-old American had registered. “At this stage we have no other information.” But Williams denied she was planning a return to competitive tennis by posting later Tuesday on X: “Omg (Oh My God) yall (you all) I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy”.Following her three-set defeat by Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic at Flushing Meadows three years ago, Williams said she did not want to use the word “retiring” but instead explained she was “evolving” away from tennis. Players who decide to return to testing need to provide information about their time and locations when they are available to give samples. They also need to complete testing for six months before they are allowed to return to competition. Williams’s older sister, Venus, - seven times major singles champion - returned to tennis in July at the age of 45 after almost two years away from the Women’s Tennis Association tour.When Venus, a seven-time major singles champion, came back at the DC Open, she spoke about wishing Serena would join her on tour again. The sisters won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles as a pair and three Olympic gold medals as well. “I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” said Venus at the time. “Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her.“But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.” 

Australian Open returns to traditional formatdropping mixed tournamentMcIlroy excited to compete at Royal Melbourne after format changeLocal and international players vie for Stonehaven Cup at prestigious event With five-times major champion Rory McIlroy leading the field and a return to Royal Melbourne for the first time since 1991, there is a genuine sense of excitement about the 108th playing of the Australian Open. Golf Australia earlier this year dumped the groundbreaking mixed men’s, women’s and all-abilities format that was introduced in 2022, leaving Australia’s oldest and most prestigious tournament once again the sole centre of attention. The tournament, which these days is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, counts golfing greats Greg Norman, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player among its former winners.Masters champion McIlroy already has his name etched on the Stonehaven Cup after beating Adam Scott in a playoff at Royal Sydney in 2013 and the Northern Irishman said he was excited to be back in Australia. “It hasn’t been a secret that I’ve wanted to come back... (and) the change in the format, going back to the traditional Australian Open has probably helped,” he told reporters on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s opening round. “It just feels like this country is starved of top level golf. Obviously, you’ve had Presidents Cups come down here and you’ve had a lot of good players still come through, but maybe just not on a consistent basis. “And I think a market like this, with amazing fans and the history that it does have, probably deserves more of a consistency of big players and big tournaments.” Major winners Cam Smith and Scott are expected to lead the home charge to get the Stonehaven Cup back into Australian hands for the first time since Matt Jones won his second title in 2019. Min Woo Lee and Karl Vilips, a PGA Tour winner in his rookie season, are other local contenders, while Britain’s former Masters champion Danny Willett and 2023 Australian Open winner Joaquin Niemann are among the international challengers. Former Masters champion Scott won the title in 2009 but said to win it at the world-renowned sandbelt course would be extra special. “I think winning the Aussie Open at Royal Melbourne has one of those asterisks next to it, where it’s just that little bit more meaningful,” the 45-year-old said. Former British Open champion Smith, who has endured a horror run of form in recent months, was one of the main critics of the mixed tournament, arguing that conditions had been made easier to help the women. “There was a lot of back-and-forth throughout the last couple of years, and I think everyone’s pretty happy with the result,” he said. “Everyone’s talking about the Aussie Open again, which is what we wanted.” 

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open men’s tennis tournament has won the Best ATP 500 Tournament award, according to the 2025 ATP Players’ Choice Awards.This award adds to the tournament’s impressive record, having previously won the Best ATP 250 Tournament award six times before its upgrade to the 500-point level this season.Tournament Director Karim Alami said: “We are proud to have won the Best ATP 500 Tournament award, after the Qatar ExxonMobil Open had already won the same award six times in the 250-point category.”Alami added that this achievement confirms that success is not a matter of chance, but rather the fruit of a clear vision, unwavering passion, and integrated teamwork. He emphasised that the award is a testament to the players’ own confidence, reflecting Qatar’s image as a global sports destination thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and high-level organisation.He continued: “We dedicate this achievement to everyone who contributed to this success, including players, fans, and sponsors, especially Qatar ExxonMobil, the title sponsor, as well as the dedicated team from the various committees who consistently strive to deliver an exceptional tournament. This award serves as an incentive to continue our journey of development and innovation year after year.”This year’s tournament featured a stellar lineup of the game’s top players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.Andrey Rublev of Russia won the title this year after defeating Jack Draper of Great Britain, while the British duo of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspole claimed the doubles trophy.

Qatar has reiterated that the success of the first phase of the agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip is a collective responsibility to ensure its implementation, leading to a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and the achievement of peace and stability in the region, in full compliance with the principles of the Charter and international law.This came in a statement delivered by Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, during the Quarterly Open Debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, held at the UN headquarters in New York.HE Sheikha Alya noted that the meeting follows the convening of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit on Oct 13, highlighting the participation of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in the signing ceremony of the agreement to end the war in Gaza, alongside US President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.She added that over the past two years, Qatar has continued its mediation efforts in partnership with Egypt and the US, and despite challenges and obstacles, an agreement was reached to end the bloodshed and humanitarian suffering in Gaza.HE Sheikha Alya pointed out that the mediation succeeded in securing humanitarian truces that alleviated suffering by delivering aid to the Palestinian people and facilitating the release of detainees and prisoners.She emphasised that Qatar remains committed to its role as a mediator and peace-building leader, with its wise leadership dedicated to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means and undertaking humanitarian efforts to relieve the suffering of the people of Gaza and create favourable conditions for the return of displaced persons.She explained that the Qatar's Gaza Reconstruction Committee has initiated efforts to rebuild by clearing rubble, reopening main roads, and facilitating the movement of Palestinians within the Strip. Qatar also launched a land bridge through Jordanian and Egyptian territories to deliver humanitarian aid, including shelter tents and food and medical supplies for more than 436,000 affected individuals in the Strip.HE Sheikha Alya reaffirmed Qatar's welcome of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the New York Declaration on implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state.She expressed appreciation for the leadership roles of Saudi Arabia and France in this regard and welcomed the positive stances of countries that have recognised the State of Palestine, affirming its rightful claim to full UN membership.She stressed that for a peaceful settlement and the success of the two-state solution, it is essential to reject actions that undermine it, including settlement expansion in the West Bank, settler violence, and land appropriation, affirming that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory and of a unified Palestinian state.She conveyed Qatar's strongest condemnation of the Israeli Knesset's approval of two draft laws aimed at imposing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, describing them as a challenge to international law and legitimate resolutions.She urged the international community, especially the Security Council, to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and take urgent action to compel Israeli authorities to halt expansionist plans and settlement policies in occupied Palestinian territories.She continued by condemning plans to construct a settlement that would sever East Jerusalem from the West Bank, calling it a blatant violation of international legitimacy, particularly Resolution 2334.HE Sheikha Alya expressed Qatar's denunciation of statements regarding the so-called Greater Israel Vision, considering them a continuation of crisis escalation and violations of state sovereignty and international law.HE Sheikha Alya also reaffirmed Qatar's support for Syria, its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity, and its people's aspirations for stability and development. She condemned Israeli attacks on Syria, describing them as grave violations of international law.She reiterated Qatar's steadfast support for the Republic of Lebanon and the efforts of its government, stressing the need for Israeli occupation forces to withdraw from all Lebanese territories, and called on all parties to strictly adhere to the ceasefire agreement.HE Sheikha Alya affirmed Qatar's unwavering commitment to its sincere and credible approach to the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and mediation, and its support for all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security in the region and the world.

Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko finished last year ranked 350th in the world but she is now just outside the top 20 and determined to move "onwards and upwards" next season.The 19-year-old won her first WTA title at her home Canadian Open in August, beating top seed Coco Gauff in the last 16 before downing former world number one Naomi Osaka in the final.Mboko is competing at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo this week and started her campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 win over compatriot Bianca Andreescu on Tuesday.Mboko, now ranked 23 in the world, said her breakthrough year had been "crazy"."I can look back and at least feel good about what I've been able to do," the teenager said."I would have never thought at all that I'd be where I am today."It's just building onwards and upwards, and hopefully for next year I can build some sort of momentum and keep it very positive within myself," she added.Mboko went through a slump after winning the title in Montreal, losing in the first round at her next four tournaments without even taking a set.Her first-round win in Tokyo ended that run and she said she "didn't really feel any doubts" that she would turn it around."I always look on the positive side of things and I think going into the match I just wanted to be very happy with the way I play and stay true to how I'm supposed to play," she said."It does feel a little bit of a relief though, to kind of get that out of the way and try to build momentum on it."Mboko was back on court two hours after her singles win over Andreescu, partnering with her beaten opponent to progress to the women's doubles quarter-finals.Mboko said she was learning from Andreescu, who won the 2019 US Open but has struggled badly with injuries and form and is now ranked 172nd."She's experienced so many of the same things that I've experienced this year," Mboko said of Andreescu, whose three career titles all came in 2019."It can be difficult a little bit, trying to bounce back and trying to find your way after having a big result like that.""Her being here helps me, when I talk with her sometimes it helps me find a little bit of peace of mind," she added.Mboko was born in the United States to parents fleeing political turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo, before settling in Toronto.She is the youngest of four siblings, all of whom play tennis.She says she does not watch much tennis in her spare time, "unless I'm really trying to learn something".She is more interested in her hometown Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, who booked their place at the World Series for the first time in 32 years earlier in the day."It's amazing, I love it," she said."I'm not really a baseball enthusiast but I only follow the Blue Jays for a reason."I'm just cheering from afar as much as I can."

The Qatar National Golf Team has added a new chapter to its record of success, with Daniil Sokolov claiming victory at the Egypt Open Golf Championship, a tournament sanctioned by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and part of the Arab Golf Federation Series. The championship concluded last Saturday in Cairo.Displaying exceptional form and composure, Sokolov dominated the three-round event, finishing nine-under par (-9) to secure the title ahead of a strong field of top Arab and international golfers. His steady performance and mental resilience throughout the competition earned him a thoroughly deserved triumph and the winner’s trophy.Qatar’s Saleh al-Kaabi also delivered a commendable performance, finishing fourth at +1, reinforcing Qatar’s strong representation and contributing to the country’s continued lead in the Arab Golf Federation rankings.This achievement underscores the Qatar Golf Association’s unwavering commitment to nurturing elite athletes through comprehensive training programs that focus on technical precision, physical conditioning, and mental preparation — key factors in competing successfully on both regional and international stages.Sokolov’s victory was defined by sharp course strategy, precise shot-making, and remarkable consistency in navigating challenging fairways and greens. Meanwhile, al-Kaabi’s poise and experience under competitive pressure further demonstrated Qatar’s depth of golfing talent.With this impressive result, Qatar continues to solidify its standing as a powerhouse in Arab golf, driven by the visionary leadership of the Qatar Golf Association and its dedication to developing homegrown players capable of excelling at the highest levels of the sport.