News details Media center
16 Feb’ 2018
Halep beats Sevastova, sets up quarters clash with teenage sensation Bellis
DOHA, February 16, 2018-World No.2 Simona Halep matched majestically into the quarters after overpowering Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova in straight sets 6-4 6-3 on Thursday. The win was the second straight victory for the former world No. 1 at the Qatar Total Open 2018.
The Romanian is now set to face American teenage sensation Catherine (CiCi) Bellis in the last-eight.
A sloppy start from the world number two allowed Sevastova to break her serve in the very first game, but Halep soon felt her way into the match and levelled at 2-2.
An entertaining opening set turned in Halep's favour at 5-3 and, although Sevastova swiftly hit back, she then brilliantly broke to love to clinch the lead after 32 minutes.
The two players continued to trade blows, with Halep again recovering after a series of errors had handed the Latvian the advantage in the second set.
Sevastova did not crumble, but Halep's pressure told as she came to the net to belatedly finish the contest in style with her fourth match point, before acknowledging that her class had won out against a tough opponent.
"[Sevastova] is a great player and I was a little bit nervous," she said on court. "I'm glad that I could play maybe my best tennis."
Media Kit:
More NEWS
Younousse and Tijan Claim Men’s Title at AVC Beach Tour Doha Open 2026
DOHA – Qatar’s beach volleyball stars Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan thrilled the home crowd on Tuesday as they claimed the men’s title at the AVC Beach Tour 2nd Doha Open 2026, defeating Australia’s Oliver Merritt and Jed Walker in straight sets in the final at the FIVB International Centre of Excellence in Al Gharafa.The Qatari duo, Asian Games gold medallists, delivered a commanding performance to secure a 21-13, 21-18 victory, capping an impressive campaign in front of their home fans.
Countdown Begins to FIP World Padel Championships Qatar 2026
DOHA – The countdown has begun to Qatar’s hosting of the 2026 World Padel Championships, scheduled for November 2–7, as the world’s attention turns to Doha, which is preparing to deliver another exceptional edition of a major international sporting event and further consolidate its standing as a global sports capital.The eagerly anticipated championships will take place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, featuring 32 national teams , 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams , comprising some of the world’s leading players and highest-ranked stars. The event is expected to attract large crowds and extensive international media coverage.Tariq Zainal, Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, said Doha’s hosting of this prestigious global event reflects the international confidence in Qatar and its distinguished position on the world sporting map.Mr. Zainal said the start of the countdown placed renewed responsibility on the organizers to deliver an exceptional event that lives up to the reputation of Qatari sport.He noted that the International Padel Federation’s decision to award Qatar the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 editions represented a significant vote of international confidence and recognition of Doha’s world-class infrastructure and facilities, particularly the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, as well as the expertise accumulated by national personnel through the successful organization of major sporting events.Zainal added that the federation was working closely with the International Padel Federation and all national and international partners and sponsors to ensure ideal competitive conditions for the 32 participating men’s and women’s national teams.“Our courts and facilities are fully prepared to welcome the world’s best players and the passionate fans who will travel to Doha. We promise an exceptional edition that will remain etched in the memories of enthusiasts of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports,” he said.The Qatar 2026 edition is also expected to mark a significant milestone, with the International Padel Federation announcing unprecedented record prize money for the championships, to be shared equally between the men’s and women’s competitions, underscoring its commitment to developing the sport and promoting gender equality.From an organizational perspective, awarding Qatar the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 editions represents another achievement for the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Qatar Padel Federation. Upon completion of both editions, Qatar will equal Spain’s record of hosting the World Padel Championships four times, following Doha’s successful staging of the 2021 and 2024 editions.As preparations continue, the International Padel Federation and the local organizing committee have announced a strategic partnership with renowned brand Bullpadel, which will serve as the official sponsor and authorized supplier of sporting equipment and the official championship ball for the next two editions in Doha. The partnership will help ensure the highest technical standards for players throughout the competition.The organizing committee has also begun operational preparations for the courts and facilities, including the setup of media centres and the development of implementation plans for ticket sales through the official website and authorized outlets, enabling local and international fans to secure their seats in advance.Doha previously hosted the World Padel Championships in 2021 and 2024, with both editions earning acclaim for their organizational excellence and strong spectator attendance at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
Qatar’s Younousse and Tijan Sweep into Doha 2026 Tour Quarterfinals
DOHA – Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan underlined their title ambitions with a dominant group-stage display to advance to the quarterfinals of the Doha 2026 Asian Beach Volleyball Tour.Competing at the International Beach Volleyball Center of Excellence in Al Gharafa, the Qatari duo swept all three Group A matches in straight sets to secure top spot and progress to the knockout stage in emphatic fashion.They launched their campaign on Saturday with a 21-15, 21-19 victory over Thailand’s Nalphadon and Puravich before producing two commanding performances today. They defeated China’s Li Wei and Yuan Ningfei 21-9, 21-15 and followed up with a comprehensive 21-13, 21-9 win against Indonesia’s Firza and Rizki.The results completed a perfect group-stage record for the Qatari pair, who did not drop a set and emerged as strong contenders for the tournament title.
Qatar’s Young Golfers Strike Double Gold at Arab Championship in Egypt
CAIRO – Qatar celebrated a memorable double-gold triumph at the 2026 Arab Junior and Youth Golf Championship in Egypt, as Daniel Sokolov won the Under-18 individual title before joining Kamil Ben Rekia to lead Qatar to gold in the team competition at Madinaty Golf Club.The outstanding results underline the progress of Qatar’s emerging golf talents and reinforce the country’s growing competitiveness across the Arab golfing landscape.Sokolov dominated the individual standings, carding a total of 15 under par across three rounds of competition to secure the gold medal by 15 strokes. Palestine’s Abdulhalim Al Yaqoubi finished runner-up at even par, while Jordan’s Mohammad Al Rawashdeh claimed third place at three over par.Qatar’s success extended to the Under-18 team event, where Sokolov and Ben Rekia combined for a score of seven over par to take gold. Their performance secured a 12-shot victory over Palestine and Libya, who shared the silver-medal position with identical totals of 19 over par.Fahad Nasser Al Nuaimi, head of the Qatari delegation, Secretary-General of the Qatar Golf Association and member of the Arab Golf Federation’s Executive Bureau, praised the players’ achievement, attributing it to ongoing efforts to nurture young golfers and enhance their technical abilities.