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After a bruising Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Lando Norris lost the lead to Max Verstappen at the start and finished second before being disqualified for excessive skid-block wear, the championship leader is now looking forward to ‘warm weather, playing some golf and padel’ in Qatar.Norris’ hopes of stretching his advantage ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, and the Abu Dhabi finale the week after, took a heavy hit when both he and McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri were disqualified following post-race checks in Las Vegas. Despite the setback, Norris still tops the standings with a 24-point cushion over Piastri and Red Bull’s Verstappen. The title remains his to lose, but the Qatar weekend complicates matters with Sprint race points on offer this Saturday. A total of 58 points remain on the table: 25 each for Qatar and Abu Dhabi, plus eight for winning Saturday’s Sprint. Should Norris end the Qatar GP with a lead of 26 points or more over both Piastri and Verstappen, he will seal his maiden world championship. Even if he wins the Sprint and both rivals fail to score, Norris would move 32 clear with 50 still available. Over the weekend as a whole, simply outscoring both by two points would be enough for him to clinch the title.Before diving into the pressure of an action-packed weekend in Lusail, the McLaren driver wants to unwind in Qatar for couple of days. “I look forward to Qatar. I look forward to getting somewhere warm and just go play some golf, go play some padel for a few days, enjoy a few days off, and do everything we can to try and win in Qatar,” Norris said.However, with an in-form Verstappen breathing down his neck and chasing a fifth consecutive world championship, Norris can seldom take a breather. Since Verstappen’s victory in Austin last month, the Dutchman has slashed his deficit to the championship leader — then Piastri — by 64 points across four races. Averaging 12 points over Norris in the final two rounds is still a tall order for Verstappen, but his relentless form and Red Bull’s late-season resurgence mean the reigning champion will be ready to capitalise on any slip by – as he did in Las Vegas.Asked whether he would approach the race differently after surrendering the lead in Vegas, a moment rendered moot by the disqualification, Norris insisted he has no intention of going conservative. “I’ve never been in that position before, so I probably can’t really answer it,” he said.“But nothing feels different now, even though that is the opportunity I’m entering into. I treat it the same. I treat it like I want to go and win. I’ll do everything I can to try and win the race. It’s a lot more fun when you win than when you come second. My goal is to win both races to the end of the season, and the Sprint as well. So I’ll try and win all three. I just focus on having a few days off, shifting the time zone back, and then focusing on Free Practice 1,” he added.The high-speed Lusail Circuit, flowing through the desert on the outskirts of Doha, adds further intrigue to the title battle. Originally designed for motorcycle racing, the 5.419km track is dominated by medium- and high-speed corners and features a one-kilometre start-finish straight that provides the prime overtaking chance into Turn 1. Tyre management will be crucial, with Pirelli limiting each set to 25 laps due to the extreme load generated by the fast corners.For Verstappen, winner of both previous Qatar Grands Prix, Lusail presents an ideal opportunity to ramp up the pressure on Norris. But Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies warned that the grid should expect a complete “reset” after the unique conditions in Las Vegas.“You can’t imagine a more different situation in Qatar compared to Las Vegas. Everything is the opposite. We will reset and try to nail the weekend,” Mekies said.Verstappen’s win in Las Vegas was his sixth of the season and his fourth in the last seven races. Mekies believes the 28-year-old is performing at one of the highest levels ever seen in F1.“In terms of driving and what he does, I think he’s as good or better than everything we have seen,” he said. “There are many examples this year. We know we suffered in the first part of the season. The guys have done an amazing job turning around the car, and now that he’s able to fight again for the win, he produces masterclass after masterclass.”

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation and Nasser al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Premier Padel, in Astana.The meeting focused on the development of padel in Kazakhstan. The country now has a growing community of more than 1,500 active players and 16 regional federations. Seventeen modern courts are already operating, and by 2027, the new ADD Padel Arena in Almaty — featuring 10 world-class courts — will become one of Central Asia’s most advanced venues, capable of hosting Premier Padel tournaments.The Head of State expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation with the International Padel Federation will further strengthen the development and popularization of padel in Kazakhstan.

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

Bahrain, China, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan won their Group matches in the men's section of the FIP Asia Padel Cup while Lebanon, Indonesia, UAE and Saudi Arabia won their respective group matches in the women's section on the first day of the seven-day championship which kicked off at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha on Friday evening. In the men's section, Bahrain playing on Grandstand 1 overcame a spirited challenge of Indonesia in Group A to start off their campaign on an emphatic note and keep themselves ahead in the race to qualify for the last-eight stage of the championship. Kuwait is the third team in Group A. In the other results of the men's section, in Group B, China defeated Thailand 3-0 to keep them ahead of the qualifying race, Pakistan is the third team in the group and will start their campaign on Saturday. In Group C, Saudi Arabia overcame South Korea 3-0 to make a successful start to their campaign, Jordan is the third team in the group, while in Group D, Kazakhstan defeated Philippines 3-0 to make a strong start to the campaign while in the same group, Lebanon defeated Japan 2-1. Only one team from each of the four men's groups will qualify for the last-eight stage where they join four other countries UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran, having qualified for the last-eight based on the FIP Ranking. Women's Section In the women's section, Lebanon, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE were off to winning starts in their respective group matches. Hosts Qatar gave a spirited fight but went down fighting 3-0 to Lebanon in the Group A match. The other team in Group A is Thailand. In the other results, in Group B Indonesia defeated Kuwait 3-0, the other team in Group B is Bahrain. In Group C, UAE got the better of Pakistan 2-1 and in Group C, Saudi Arabia overcame China 2-1. The group leaders from each of the groups will qualify for the last-eight stage where they will be joined by Australia, Japan, Iran, and the Philippines who have already qualified for the Final 8 on virtue of their FIP rankings. Saturday's Matches (Start at 1.30pm) Men's Section Group A: Kuwait vs Bahrain Group B: Pakistan vs China Group C: Jordan vs Saudi Arabia Group D: Japan vs Kazakhstan Group D: Philippines vs Lebanon Women's Section Group A: Thailand vs Qatar Group B: Bahrain vs Indonesia Group C: UAE vs China Group C: Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex Teams Participation Seventeen teams compete in the men’s tournament: Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran. In the women’s category, there are 14 teams: Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Japan, Australia, Philippines, and Iran. The initial phase runs from October 17–19, with the top teams from each group advancing to the Final 8, scheduled for October 20–24. Results Men's Results Group A: Bahrain bt Indonesia 3-0 Group B: China bt Thailand 3-0 Group C: Saudi Arabia bt South Korea 3-0 Group D: Kazakhstan bt Philippines 3-0 Group D: Lebanon bt Japan 2-1 Women's Results Group A: Lebanon bt Qatar 3-0 Group B: Indonesia bt Kuwait 3-0 Group C: UAE bt Pakistan 2-1 Group C: Saudi Arabia bt China 2-1

The Qatar Padel Federation (QPF) has signed a platinum sponsorship agreement with Mazzraty for the upcoming Asian Padel Cup, scheduled to take place from October 17 to 24 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.The agreement was signed by President of the Asian Padel Federation and Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, Tariq Zainal and Business Development Manager at Al Mana Holding Group, Saad Mohammed Al Mana, represented Mazzraty.Tariq Zainal expressed his appreciation for the partnership, noting that Mazzraty's support for the inaugural edition of the championship reflects the company's commitment to promoting the sport of padel in Qatar-especially as the country hosts a tournament of this regional scale.He added that the involvement of the private sector and national companies plays a vital role in enhancing the organization and professionalism of tournaments hosted by the federation, reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading sports destination both regionally and globally.Zainal further emphasized that having partners like Mazzraty demonstrates a genuine commitment to the growth and spread of padel, and helps strengthen its social appeal as an accessible and engaging sport for all segments of society.For his part, Mr. Saad Mohammed Al Mana stated: "We are proud to partner with the Qatar Padel Federation as a platinum sponsor for the first-ever Asian Padel Championship. We firmly believe in the importance of supporting sports initiatives that bring our community together and showcase Qatar's leadership in hosting world-class events."Our sponsorship reflects our commitment to promoting health and excellence-core values of our brand-and aligns with Qatar's vision for a sustainable society," he added.The tournament will take place in two stages. The first stage, from October 17 to 19, will feature 17 national teams ranked between 5th and 21st across Asia and Oceania, divided into four groups.The top team from each group will advance to the final stage, along with the four highest-ranked teams in the continent. The final stage will be held from October 20 to 24. QNA 0305 GMT 2025/10/11

Preparations are in full swing for the FIP Asia Padel Cup (Qatar 2025), set to take place from October 17 to 24, at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.The tournament will be held in two phases. The first stage, from October 17-19, will feature 17 national teams ranked between 5th and 21st across Asia and Oceania, divided into four groups. Group winners will advance to the final stage, joining the top four ranked teams in the region for the concluding phase from October 20-24.Tariq Zainal, President of the Asian Padel Federation and Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel, and Badminton Federation, confirmed that logistical and technical preparations are nearly complete to welcome participating teams.As part of the event's buildup, the federation announced a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Rail during a press conference held on Thursday. The deal was signed by Zainal and Head of Strategy and Business Development at Qatar Rail, Ajlan Al Enazi.Zainal hailed the partnership as a strong example of collaboration between the sports sector and national institutions.Meanwhile, Al Enezi expressed pride in supporting the first edition of the championship, stating the sponsorship reflects Qatar Rail's corporate social responsibility strategy and commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and national sporting events.He added that sport plays a vital role in community building and youth empowerment, aligning with Qatar's broader social development goals.

The second edition of the Gulf Padel Championship, organized by the Qatar Padel Federation, concluded today at the Padel In courts in Aspire Zone with great success.The tournament featured teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. It was held in a round-robin format, with each team playing three matches in the men's, women's, and junior categories.The Qatari men's team finished second and won the silver medal after defeating Bahrain 2-1 in the final match.The UAE team finished first and won the gold medal, while the Kuwaiti team finished third and won the bronze medal.In the women's category, the Kuwaiti team won first place and won the gold medal, followed by the UAE team in second place and silver medal, and the Saudi team in third place and bronze medal.In the junior category, the Kuwaiti team finished first and won the gold medal, followed by the UAE team in second place and silver medal, and the Saudi team in third place and bronze medal.The coronation ceremony took place amidst a special atmosphere at the main court.Sultan Khalfan, the tournament director, praised the success achieved. Talking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he stated that they were pleased with the tournament's success on all levels.He mentioned that the national team secured second place and earned silver medals following a strong performance throughout the tournament. The competition was incredibly intense, serving as a motivation to continue pushing for further growth and advancement in Padel in the future.He continued by saying that this tournament precedes Qatar's hosting of the Asian Padel Championship next month, looking forward to continuing their efforts to further emphasize Qatar's distinguished organizational capabilities and its constant endeavor to organize tournaments in the best possible manner.For his part, Mohammed Sadoun Al Kuwari, a Qatari padel player, emphasized that Qatar succeeded in organizing the Gulf Championship in an honorable manner.

Qatari men's team defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the second round of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, which Qatar is currently hosting on the Padel Inn courts until September 19.The tournament, which kicked off Tuesday and is organised by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, will see the participation of various Gulf teams: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. The tournament will be held in a league format, with each team playing three matches against the opposing team.The Qatari men's national team succeeded in achieving victory in two of the three matches it played against its Saudi counterpart, as the duo consisting of Rashid Nawaf and Hassan Wali won the first match in two sets to none, with a score of 6-2 and 6-2.In the second match, the duo consisting of Mohammed Saadoun and Meshari Nawaf won in two sets to none, with a score of 6-0 and 6-0. Meanwhile, the duo consisting of Ali al-Saadi and Khaled Saadoun lost the third match in two sets to one, with a score of 5-7, 6-2 and 0-6.This is the second consecutive victory for the Qatari team, having defeated Oman 3-0 in the first round.The Qatari national team is scheduled to meet its Kuwaiti counterpart Wednesday, in the third round of the tournament.For his part, Rashid Nawaf, a player on the Qatari padel team, expressed his happiness with the team's victory over Saudi Arabia.Nawaf said in a statement following the match: "We performed well against the Saudi team, and our performance reflected the team's readiness to achieve the best possible results during the tournament."He added, "Our goal is to continue our strong performance in the upcoming matches, and our ambition is to represent Qatar in the best possible way in this Gulf Cup."Nawaf called on Qatari fans to attend the Padel Inn courts to support the team, saying, "Fan support makes a difference, and we hope to see fans in large numbers at upcoming matches to push us toward continued victories and our quest to compete for the title."

Qatar men’s team started its campaign on a winning note in the second edition of the Arab Gulf Padel Championship Monday.At the Padel In - Aspire Zone, the hosts defeated Oman 3-0 on the opening day of the championship, organised by Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation (QTSPBF). In the first match Qatari pair of Rashid Nawaf and Hassan Wali won 2-0 6-1, 6-0).In the second match, Mohammed Saadoun and Mishari Nawaf also won 2-0 (6-0, 6-0). In the third match, Mohammed al-Khanji and Khaled Saadoun also won in two sets (6-1, 6-1). The tournament is being held in a league format and will conclude on September 19.

Exhibition at Place Vendôme features Pierre Gasly, Hugo Philip, Claudia Fernández and Alejandra Salazar – with football legend Zinedine Zidane also in attendanceAlpine Paris Major Premier Padel at Roland-Garros welcomed 27,000 fans across the weekendThe tournament also attracted a long list of personalities from sport and entertainment, including Fabián Ruiz, Samir Nasri, Raymond Domenech, Constance Jablonski, Matthias Dandois and Juan Imhoff among others Padel once again takes centre stage at one of the world’s most prestigious landmarks, with Premier Padel – led by Chairman Nasser al-Khelaïfi – driving the sport into iconic global settings. After unforgettable exhibitions on the Garibaldi aircraft carrier in Italy and beside the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the sport arrived this week at Place Vendôme – one of the most elegant and renowned squares in Paris – thanks to the platform created by the Alpine Paris Major Premier Padel. Throughout the week, thousands of Parisians and visitors have experienced the unique installation, which today culminated in a special exhibition match before the finals. Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly and French influencer Hugo Philip took to the court alongside top professionals Claudia Fernández (World No.5) and Alejandra Salazar (World No.10), offering a fitting finale to an activation that captured the imagination of the city. Football legend Zinedine Zidane also attended the event, adding even more star power to a memorable day in Place Vendôme. Meanwhile, the Alpine Paris Major Premier Padel at Stade Roland-Garros has confirmed its status as one of the crown jewels of the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour calendar. With an electric atmosphere, the venue welcomed around 27,000 fans across Saturday and Sunday, reflecting both the passion of French supporters and the sport’s rising global appeal. The Paris Major has also drawn major sporting and entertainment personalities to Roland-Garros, including Fabián Ruiz, Samir Nasri, Raymond Domenech, Constance Jablonski, Matthias Dandois and Juan Imhoff, further underlining the event’s prestige on the international stage. The crowning moment of the tournament came with the star-studded prize-giving ceremonies, as Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly and football legend Zinédine Zidane presented the trophies to the men’s and women’s champions, respectively – an unforgettable conclusion that perfectly captured the glamour and prestige of the Alpine Paris Major. Looking ahead, Premier Padel’s global journey will turn to the Middle East in October. The tour will return to Egypt with the NEWGIZA Premier Padel P2 in Giza (27 October – 1 November 2025), followed by the Dubai Premier Padel P1 in the UAE (9–16 November 2025). Between these two landmark events, Kuwait will host the prestigious FIP World Cup Pairs (3–9 November 2025), further strengthening the sport’s presence across the region.

Qatar men’s team will start their Arab Gulf Padel Championship campaign against Oman at the Padel In - Aspire Zone Monday. The draw ceremony of the championship, which is being organized by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation (QTSPBF), was held Sunday in the presence of the participating teams representatives. Saudi Arabia will take on the UAE while Bahrain will meet Kuwait. The five-day tournament will be held in three categories – men’s, women’s and juniors and conclude on September 19.In the women’s section, Bahraini will start against Oman Monday. The Saudi Arabia women will meet Kuwait, while in the third match of the opening day, Qatar women will play against the UAE.In a statement issued Sunday, QTSPBF Secretary General Tariq Zainal said the tournament will be a platform for strong competition and will reflect the significant development witnessed by padel in the region.Qatar teamsMen’s: Mohammed Saadoun al-Kuwari, Khaled Saadoun al-Kuwari, Mohammed al-Khenji, Hassan Wali, Rashid Nawaf, Meshari Nawaf, Rayan al-Jafari and Ali al-Saadi.Women’s: Hanan al-Abdulrahman, Maha Farmarzi, Salma Wali, Rawda al-Abdullah, Maryam al-Sulaiti, Hessa al-Mutawa, Atlal al-Abdulrahman, and Dana al-Mudhahka.

Qatar will host the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship Qatar 2025 from September 15 to 19, organised by the Qatar Padel Federation at the Padel courts in Aspire.Tariq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday that the tournament will feature competitions in three categories: men's, women's and juniors. The draw is scheduled to be held on September 14.During the conference, the Qatar Padel Federation announced the signing of a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) for the championship. The agreement was signed by Zainal and Qatar Rail’s Director of Communications and Public Relations Abdullah al-Mawlawi.Zainal expressed the Qatari Federation's pride in Qatar Rail's joining as a platinum partner of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, given its significant support for sports, athletes, and community work in Qatar.Zainal emphasised that this partnership reflects the integrated efforts of national institutions and the sports sector, which will give the federation greater momentum to continue developing padel and strengthening its presence in the Gulf, regionally, and internationally.Zainal also welcomed all participating delegations and players, stressing his full readiness to host this Gulf event and organize it according to the highest standards, thus consolidating Qatar's position as a leading sports destination in the region and the world.For his part, al-Mawlawi said: “We are delighted to co-sponsor this important event. Our participation as a platinum sponsor of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, hosted by the Qatar Padel Federation, is in line with our corporate social responsibility strategy and our constant commitment to supporting sporting events that contribute to spreading the culture of exercising and promoting a healthy lifestyle among community members.”He added that Qatar Rail believes in the pivotal role sports play in developing communities by improving the quality of life and ensuring the health and safety of its members. Through this sponsorship, "we reaffirm our commitment, particularly to padel, as well as supporting the development of Gulf sporting talents and efforts aimed at consolidating Qatar's position as a leading regional destination for hosting major sporting events."Al-Mawlawi continued, "We, in turn, look forward to contributing to providing the best possible conditions for organizing a successful tournament and enjoying the unique Gulf talent and competitions that the tournament will witness. We wish all the best to the participating teams and players."