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Al Shamal climbed to third in the Qatar Stars League following a 1-0 win over Al Rayyan, while Al Sailiya moved off the bottom with a 2-1 victory over Qatar SC Saturday.A second-half strike from Alex Collado proved enough for Al Shamal to take their tally to 24 points – seven behind leaders Al Gharafa and two adrift of defending champions Al Sadd, who are second in the table.At Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Collado struck in the 54th minute after Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada had punched away a Baghdad Bounedjah attempt. Al Shamal also had two goals ruled out for offside deep in the match. Al Rayyan – on 23 points – slipped to fourth place, three ahead of fifth-placed Al Arabi.“We deserved the victory after we had a top performance,” Bounedjah said after the win. “Today’s match was exciting and featured physical clashes from both sides, and we knew that whoever scored the goal would win.”Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Mohamed and Diogo Amaro struck in the second half to give Al Sailiya a much-needed victory over Qatar SC at Grand Hamad Stadium.After a goalless first half, Al Sailiya moved into the lead when Mohamed made the most of a fine assist provided by Abdulla Hussain Al Muftah in the 72nd minute. Qatar SC, however, hit back soon after, getting the equaliser through Pedro eight minutes later.Soon after, Eisa Ahmad Khaldi aimed for goal, but Al Sailiya goalkeeper Fahad Younis Baker made a diving save and pushed the ball towards a lurking Amaro, who struck his team’s winning goal in the 84th minute.The result gave Al Sailiya valuable three points, moving them away from the dreaded 12th spot to 10th with 11 points, while Qatar SC remained seventh on 17 points. 

Jockey Pierre Charles Boudot continued his outstanding run this season guiding Posuelo Py to Al Kharrara Cup triumph and completed a hat-trick of wins at the Al Rayyan Racecourse Wednesday. Drawn widest in the Purebred Arabian Handicap (1200m) race, the eight-year-old bay gelding travelled midfield before powering down the home straight to score decisively by 1¼ lengths for owner Ibrahim Mohammed al-Fadala and trainer Hamad al-Jehani, giving Boudot a treble on the evening. Settled midfield through the early and middle stages, Posuelo Py was ridden with patience as Mared Al Jasra dictated a steady tempo, tracked closely by Naseeb Zakhir and Taymoor Al Shahania, the order at the head of affairs remaining unchanged. On straightening, Taymoor Al Shahania pressed sharply to take over, with Naseeb Zakhir quickly ranging up to challenge and for a moment it appeared the contest would be settled between the pair. Posuelo Py, however, was unleashed from the middle of the pack with an electrifying turn of foot, sweeping past his rivals to assert decisively and maintain his advantage to the line. Naseeb Zakhir filled second, trained and owned by Osama Omer al-Dafea and ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, edging Taymoor Al Shahania, who finished third for Al Bida Racing, trainer Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed and jockey Alberto Sanna, with the pair separated by just a quarter of a length. **media[404431]** Boudot had opened the card with a neck-winning ride on La Quyood for trainer Julian Smart in the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (1900m), and later guided Deauville to victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (1200m, Class 5) for trainer Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed. **media[404432]** Other winners included Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki-trained Burkan, in the 1900m Purebred Arabian Conditions race, Jassim al-Ghazali-trained Galeb Al Shahania under Marco Casamento supervision in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap, Funny Bunny in the Thoroughbred Handicap, Tawfeeq in the Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate, and Fantastic Deal in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. **media[404433]** RESULTS36th Al Rayyan Race Meeting - Al Kharrara Cup WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) 1: Al Kharrara Cup, Purebred Arabian Handicap Posuelo Py, Hamad al-Jehani, Pierre Charles Boudot 2 - Purebred Arabian Conditions Burkan, Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki, Tomas Lukasek 3 - Local Purebred Arabian Handicap Galeb Al Shahania, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco Casamento 4 - Local Purebred Arabian Handicap Deauville, Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, Pierre Charles Boudot 5 - Thoroughbred Handicap Funny Bunny, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik 6 - Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate Tawfeeq, MHK al-Attiyah, Szczepan Mazur 7 - Thoroughbred Maiden Plate Fantastic Deal, Abdulla al-Mulla, Ivan Rossi 8 -Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate La Quyood, Julian Smart, Pierre Charles Boudot 

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) will organise HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle Day on January 17. The ten-race card will be run on the turf track at Al Rayyan Racecourse, with strong participation from owners, trainers and jockeys, all eager to secure top honours in what is regarded as one of the major fixtures of the current domestic racing season.The meeting comes just weeks ahead of the highly anticipated HH The Amir Sword Festival, scheduled to take place from February 11 to 14. For the first time, the prestigious festival will be staged over four days, in a new initiative aimed at further developing the event and reinforcing its position on the international racing calendar in line with the highest global organisational standards.**media[403704]**Saturday’s programme comprises ten races over varying distances and categories. The opener is run for the Na’ama Trophy for local Purebred Arabian fillies and mares over 1750m, offering USD 100,000. The following contest is the Desert Rose Cup for local Thoroughbred fillies and mares over the same distance, also valued at USD 100,000.The next event on the programme is the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Sprint Trophy for Thoroughbreds over 1200m, with USD 50,000 on offer. It is followed by another HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, restricted to three-year-old Thoroughbreds over 1400m, carrying USD 50,000. The mid-card contest is the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for local Thoroughbreds over 1750m, worth USD 55,000. A later supporting race is the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Thoroughbreds over 1400m, offering USD 50,000. Attention then turns to the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Purebred Arabians over 1750m, with USD 50,000 available, followed by the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Purebred Arabians restricted to four-year-olds over the same distance, valued at USD 100,000.The penultimate race on the card is an international contest, the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Purebred Arabians (Class 1 – Group 3 PA) over 2200m, with a purse of USD 100,000.**media[403705]**The finale, and main event of the meeting, is run for the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle for Thoroughbreds (Class 1) over 2200m, carrying USD 100,000. Victory in this race secures qualification for the Shalfa race at the HH The Amir Sword Festival next month.Aafoor last season’s Rifle winnerLast season’s renewal of this meeting was staged at Al Uqda Racecourse for the first time, rather than at Al Rayyan as is customary. The feature race, run for the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle, was won by Aafoor, owned by Al Jeryan Stud, in the Class 1 contest for Thoroughbreds aged four years and above over 2200m. The winner was trained by M.H.K Al Attiyah and ridden by Szczepan Mazur.Earlier in the programme, Abbes delivered another highlight when the Wathnan Racing runner claimed the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Purebred Arabians, the four-year-old international contest over 2200m, extending his winning streak in the Group 3 PA race to a third consecutive success under James Doyle for trainer Alban de Mieulle. 

Al Maqam successfully defended the Baiddaa Algaa Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse Wednesday, landing the Local Purebred Arabian Novice over 1,700m for the second consecutive year in the colours of Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Drawn wide, the six-year-old faced an early test of patience. Jockey Pierre Charles Boudot settled him quietly at the back, allowing the race to unfold before asking for his effort. When the field turned for home, Al Maqam found another gear. Striding forward with determination, he answered every challenge, digging deep as Mared Al Zaeem launched a late bid. The finish was tight, but Al Maqam held on bravely, prevailing by a neck. Saad Ali al-Kubaisi, Deputy Director of the QREC Registration & Studbook Department, crowned the winners. Meanwhile, Purebred Arabian Show Horses featured a solid display from Nibras Al Marroona, with Salman Fahad al-Hajri steering him to a length victory. Corinth dominated the Thoroughbred Handicap (0–95) under Alberto Sanna, stretching clear to score by an emphatic 7½ lengths, while Purebred Arabian Handicap (60–80) turned into a tight contest as Lwich De Bozouls, partnered by Boudot, edged out his rivals by a short head. Thouab Al Shahania showed consistency in the Purebred Arabian Handicap (55–75) under Saleh Faraj al-Otaibi while Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (55–75) went the way of Aaneef Zakhir, with Arnaud De Lepine delivering a well-timed ride to win by a length. Ruling Master was impressive in the Thoroughbred Handicap (0–70), as Salman Fahad al-Hajri guided him to a commanding five-length victory. Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0–45) saw Malik and Soufiane Saadi assert their authority to win by two lengths. White Christmas delivered a strong performance in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, with Louis Nomis aboard for a convincing 2½-length win in the first contest Wednesday. RESULTS33rd Al Rayyan Race Meeting - Baiddaa Algaa CupWINNERS (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1 - Baiddaa Algaa Cup - Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate (Class 5)Al Maqam, Julian Smart, Pierre Charles Boudot2 - Purebred Arabian Show HorsesNibras Al Marroona, Mohammed Hassan al-Matwi, Salman Fahad al-Hajri3 - Thoroughbred Handicap (0-95), three-year-olds, 1700mCorinth, Hadi al-Ramzani,Alberto Sanna4 - Purebred Arabian Handicap (60-80)Lwich De Bozouls, Hamad al-Jehani, Pierre Charles Boudot5 - Purebred Arabian Handicap (55-75)Thouab Al Shahania, Ahmed Hassan al-Malki al-Jehani, Saleh Faraj al-Otaibi6 - Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (55-75)Aaneef Zakhir, Eng. Osama Omer al-Dafea, Arnaud De Lepine7 - Thoroughbred Handicap (0-70)Ruling Master, Jassim al-Ghazali, Salman Fahad al-Hajri8 - Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-45)Malik, Gassim Al Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi9 - Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, four-seven-year-olds, 1200mWhite Christmas, Ahmad al-Sheeb, Louis Nomis 

Wathnan Racing’s Arman wrapped up an exciting evening at Al Rayyan Racecourse Saturday, clinching the mile contest for three-year-old+ Local Purebred Arabians by a short head to claim the Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Trophy.Trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by James Doyle, the victory highlighted the horse’s determination in a tightly contested feature race. Minister of Sports and Youth HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani in the presence of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Vice Chairman Rashid bin Nasser Sraiya al-Kaabi, presented the trophy to Ali bin Yousef al-Kubaisi, who received it on behalf of Wathnan Racing.Earlier, in the Grade 2 Qatar National Day Trophy RB Mary Lylah produced a devastating turn of foot in the home straight. The five-year-old mare surged clear under Doyle to win by six lengths in the four-year-old+ Purebred Arabians contest. HE Sheikh Hamad presented the trophy to al-Kubaisi, representing Wathnan Racing. The victory marked a commanding performance for trainer Alban de Mieulle and secured a consecutive retention of the title, following last year’s success with Jabalah.During the nine-race meet, Simca Mille made a stylish return to Qatar by winning the QA Gr3 Al Safliya Cup, a 2350m contest for four-year-old+ Thoroughbreds. Drawn barrier 1, the six-year-old chestnut displayed composure and strength to win by 1½ lengths under Doyle, capping a quick-fire double for the connections.Doha Bu Thaila claimed the Local Thoroughbred Open Race for three-year-old+ over 2000m, holding off rivals with a decisive 1½-length victory under Soufiane Saadi.Abdulrahman bin Mansour al-Mansour, QREC Board Member, presented the Al Halul Island Cup to Ali bin Yousef al-Kubaisi on behalf of Wathnan Racing.The four-year-old bay filly preserved the winning combination that had triumphed in the same race last year with Equinoxe.Thor’s Hammer returned to winning form in the Al Busayyir Cup, a 1600m Thoroughbred Conditions contest for three-year-old+. Drawn widest, the four-year-old bay gelding tracked the leaders before producing a late surge to win by a short head, with jockey Alberto Sann completing a double for the evening. Ahmed Amanalla Al-Sheebani, QREC Deputy CEO, presented the trophy to Ali bin Hamad al-Attiyah on behalf of Al Rufaa Racing.In the Falcon Cup, veteran Taxiwala retained his title in the 3YO+ Thoroughbred Conditions sprint over 1200m. The eight-year-old kicked clear in the final 200m under Lukas Delozier to win by 1½ lengths, taking his season tally to two victories from three starts and his career total to 21 wins. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani presented the trophy to Eng. Osama Omer al-Dafea, owner and trainer of Taxiwala.Other results from the day included Taftan winning the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (1600m) by 4¼ lengths with Pierre Charles Boudot aboard; Labwa De Carrere (FR) taking the Purebred Arabian Handicap (75-95, 1600m) by a head under Fayos Martin Borja; and Taymoor Al Shahania claiming the Purebred Arabian Conditions (1200m) by a neck with Alberto Sanna in the saddle. 

Dark Trooper confirmed his class once again, claiming the Barzan Cup (QA Gr3) for a second straight year in the same colours and under the same trainer at Al Rayyan Racecourse Thursday. The five-year-old gelding, expertly ridden by James Doyle - who piloted him to last year’s victory - was held patiently before launching a decisive late surge to win the 1600m race for 4-year-old+ Thoroughbreds by half a length. The triumph gave owner Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle a day double, with Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi presenting the trophies to the winners. In the Thoroughbred Guineas (QA Gr3), Basalt confirmed his rising profile with a commanding victory, remaining unbeaten in two starts this season. The grey colt unleashed an impressive turn of foot in the home straight to draw clear and record a comfortable 2¼-length success for owner Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud. The win also completed an evening double for trainer-jockey duo of Jassim al-Ghazali and Marco Casamento. **media[381407]** Sealine also continued his impressive run of form, securing a second consecutive win and his third in his last four starts with a determined victory in the Local Thoroughbred Guineas. The Al Jeryan Stud runner travelled prominently, tracking the long-time leader throughout before quickening smartly in the final metres to clinch the win by half a length for trainer M.H.K al-Attiyah and jockey Szczepan Mazur. In Purebred Arabian Guineas, Lueur De Faust made a striking Qatar debut, doubling her career tally on 5th career start with a brilliant late surge to win the title. The bay filly, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari and trained by Julian Smart, came from behind with a sweeping run to overhaul her rivals and the long-time leader in the closing stages. Under Alberto Sanna, she clinched victory by 3/4 of a length. Meanwhile, Shabbab delivered a commanding performance to win the Sheraouh Island Cup for 4YO+ Purebred Arabians over 2000m. The five-year-old, representing Al Shaqab Racing and trained by Jean de Mieulle, tracked last year’s winner Dawi for much of the race before surging past from the outside in the final 300m to land the spoils impressively by three lengths under Faleh Bughenaim. RESULTS 10th Al Rayyan Race Meeting – Guineas and Barzan Cup WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) Barzan Cup – Thoroughbred, Dark Trooper, Alban de Mieulle, James DoyleThoroughbred Guineas, Basalt, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco CasamentoThoroughbred Open Race, Taxiwala, Eng. Osama Omer al-Dafea, Lukas DelozierLocal Thoroughbred Guineas, Sealine, M.H.K al-Attiyah, Szczepan MazurPurebred Arabian Guineas, Lueur De Faust, Julian Smart, Alberto SannaSheraouh Island Cup, Shabbab, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh BughenaimThoroughbred Handicap, Forceful Speed, Debbie Mountain, Jefferson SmithLocal Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate, Zameer, Alban de Mieulle, Soufiane SaadiThoroughbred Maiden Plate, Silca Blue, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco Casamento

The Ministry of Municipality, represented by Al Rayyan Municipality, has inaugurated an environmental waterfall at the Green Carpet Park, combining beauty and sustainability by integrating water, plants, and fish to create a fully balanced ecosystem that supports biodiversity.The occasion also saw a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ambassadors planting trees in support of the municipality’s efforts to promote sustainability and achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.

Al Sadd and Al Rayyan will renew their storied rivalry in the Qatar Clasico Thursday at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, headlining the ninth round of the Qatar Stars League.The two giants of Qatari football meet under contrasting circumstances — Al Sadd are desperate to end a worrying winless run, while Al Rayyan arrive brimming with confidence after climbing into the top four.The reigning champions Al Sadd have struggled to find their rhythm this season, going four games without victory, including a 3-1 defeat to Al Arabi in the previous round that left them languishing in seventh place with eight points. For Sergio Allegri’s men, a turnaround is imperative if they are to keep their title hopes alive.“It is clear that the match against Al Rayyan will be very evenly matched,” said Al Sadd coach Allegri Wednesday. “They are coming off a good win and will have high morale, but we are working hard to get the three points and move up the standings. The players are motivated — they know how important this match is for everyone at the club, especially the fans.”Al Rayyan, meanwhile, are enjoying a strong campaign under Portuguese coach Artur Jorge. A 2-0 victory over Al Wakrah in the last round lifted them to fourth place on 13 points, with Brazilian striker Roger Guedes leading the league scoring charts with seven goals.“The Al Sadd match will be a big one because it’s against the league champions and the best team in the league,” said Jorge. “We’ll play with the same approach — to win — and we’re confident of achieving victory. The management did a great job in the transfer window, and now we need to build a winning mentality. I promise the fans we’ll fight for every title.”Rayyan forward Rodrigo Moreno is also relishing the challenge. “It will be a big match against the league champions, and we must prepare in the best possible way,” he said. “We’re focused, and the coach is always pushing us to perform at our best to get the three points.”In another high-stakes showdown Thursday, Al Gharafa will take on Al Duhail at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in a clash that could reshape the top of the standings. Al Gharafa sit second with 16 points after defeating Al Ahli 3-1 in the previous round, while Al Duhail are fifth with 11 points following a 2-0 victory over Al Shamal.Friday’s fixtures will feature league leaders Qatar SC, who face Al Wakrah at the Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium. Qatar SC, under Spanish coach Marquez Lopez, lead the table with 17 points after edging Umm Salal 2-1 last week. Al Wakrah, who slipped to sixth with 11 points after losing to Al Rayyan, will be determined to bounce back and stay within reach of the leading pack.Also Friday, Al Arabi will look to build on their morale-boosting 3-1 win over Al Sadd when they meet Al Shahaniya at Al Thumama Stadium. The victory lifted Al Arabi to eighth place, while Al Shahaniya, rooted to the bottom with four points, are under pressure to respond following a narrow 1-0 loss to Al Sailiya.Saturday’s action sees Al Sailiya take on Al Ahli at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. Al Sailiya have surged off the bottom with back-to-back wins and now sit ninth with six points, while Al Ahli are second from bottom on goal difference after their defeat to Al Gharafa. At Al Khor Stadium, Umm Salal will meet Al Shamal in a crucial tie for both teams. Al Shamal dropped from first to third following their first loss of the campaign to Al Duhail, while Umm Salal, with just six points, are desperate to stop a run of two straight defeats.

Al Rayyan defeated Al Duhail 3-1 in the fourth round of the QSL Cup at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. Ali al-Qahtani opened the scoring for Al Rayyan in the 54th minute, with Mohammed Siraj and Faisal Mohammed adding goals in the 66th and 76th minutes respectively. Mubarak Shanan had earlier put Al Duhail ahead in the 35th minute. The win lifted Al Rayyan to 13 points, while Al Duhail remained on four. At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Shahaniya pulled off a surprise 2-1 victory over Al Sadd in an exciting contest. Mohammed Balah gave Al Shahaniya the lead in the 32nd minute, before Abdulrahman al-Sultan equalised early in the second half. However, Ali Saeed al-Mohannadi struck deep into stoppage time to hand Al Shahaniya their third win of the competition. Al Sadd, meanwhile, suffered their fourth defeat, having drawn once so far. In another fixture, Al Arabi crushed Lusail 6-1 at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Yazan al-Naimat scored a hat-trick (22nd, 34th, 87th minutes), while Joao Pedro netted twice (19th, 40th), and Michel Olunga added a sixth in the 75th minute. Mohammed Shaaban scored Lusail’s lone goal in the 57th minute. The result took Al Arabi to 13 points, while Lusail stayed on four. At Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium, Al Gharafa and Mesaimeer played out a 2-2 draw. Moaz Adam and Abu Al-Qasim Mohammed put Al Gharafa 2-0 ahead, but Hamad Balgheeth struck twice to earn Mesaimeer a share of the spoils. Qatar SC, who were languishing in 16th place with three points, improved slightly to four following this round, while Mesaimeer moved to six points.

Al Rayyan were held to a 1-1 draw by Oman’s Al Nahda in the second round of the Gulf Club Champions League at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Musacat Wednesday.The hosts took the lead through Cameroonian striker Olomo in the 55th minute, but Rodrigo Moreno restored parity for Al Rayyan ten minutes later with a fine header. Despite dominating the closing stages and missing a penalty opportunity, Al Rayyan had to settle for a point from their second outing of the tournament.Al Rayyan had won their opening match in emphatic fashion 5-0 against Yemen’s Al Tadamun Hadramaut.

Al Rayyan will look to maintain their perfect start to the Gulf Club Champions League (GCCL) when they face Omani side Al Nahda this evening at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat in a Group B clash.The Qatari giants come into the second round of the group stage brimming with confidence after a dominant 5-0 victory over Al Tadamun Hadramaut in their opening match. Now topping the group, Al Rayyan are aiming to consolidate their lead with another strong performance.Speaking ahead of the game, Al Rayyan head coach Artur Jorge underlined the importance of the fixture and his team’s ambitions. “We are heading into another match in the Gulf Championship against Al-Nahda, and we are aware of the importance of this match, which will not be easy,” said the Portuguese tactician during the pre-match press conference Tuesday.“Our goal is to continue winning in this tournament. We must do our best and perform at the level Al Rayyan is known for. We have great ambitions in this tournament, through which we hope to achieve the best results and reach the final. This requires all players to exert their utmost effort in every match.”Spanish forward Rodrigo Moreno, one of the standouts in the opening round, echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing the team’s commitment to continuing their strong form. “Our preparations were good for this important match, through which we hope to continue our victories and achieve the desired result that will help us advance further in the tournament,” said Moreno.“We respect our opponents greatly, and we will play to continue our victories and achieve the three points we seek. This is an important tournament for us, and we seek to compete. We are ready for the challenge. We must maintain the same level we showed in the last match and play with the same enthusiasm in order to achieve victory.”

Al Rayyan emerged as champions of the inaugural basketball Qatar Super Cup as they beat Al Sadd 97-72 in the final held at the Lusail Multi-Purpose Sports Arena Wednesday. Mohammed bin Saad al-Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, crowned the champions. Al Rayyan dominated from the tip-off, imposing their style with organised offence built on quick transitions and stout defence to claim the first quarter 36-23. Al Rayyan extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring Al Sadd 27-18 thanks to standout performances from their imports. They maintained control in the third, winning 20-12 with near-total command of the game. Al Sadd mounted a late rally in the fourth, taking it 19-14, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap, sealing Al Rayyan’s 97-72 win and inaugural Super Cup title. Rolands Freimanis shone for Al Rayyan with 27 points, while Ding Ding Adel led Al Sadd with 20 points. Al Rayyan advanced to the final with a commanding 101-74 semi-final win over Al Ahli, while Al Sadd progressed after edging Al Arabi 87-82.