31st WTT Champions Doha 2026 set to kick off Today

DOHA - The 31st WTT Champions Doha 2026 is set to begin on Wednesday at the Lusail Sports Arena and will continue until January 11.The contest features Men’s and Women’s Singles, bringing together an elite roster of world champions and top-ranked players, including the Chinese Fan Zhendong, ranked second globally, and the Chinese Wang Manyu, also ranked second worldwide.The tournament includes the top 32 male players representing 16 countries and the top 32 female players representing 15 countries.The Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA), chaired by Hamad Al Hammadi, announced the hosting of an exceptional global WTT series throughout January, an event spanning the month and featuring top Table Tennis talent from over 50 countries.The series opens with WTT Champions, with the Men’s and Women’s Round of 32 scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the Round of 16 on Friday, and the quarterfinals for both categories on Saturday. The tournament concludes on Sunday with the semifinals and finals for both Men’s and Women’s Singles.In the Men’s Singles, a highly anticipated clash pits tournament top seed Fan Zhendong against rising French star Florian Koto, while experience meets ambition as German Dimitrij Ovtcharov faces Brazilian Hugo Calderano in one of the standout first-round matches.Japanese player Tomokazu Harimoto, winner of the 2025 Hong Kong Finals, opens against Chinese Xiang Bing in a high-profile encounter.Meanwhile, Sweden’s Truls Morkgaard faces American Kanak Jha in another first-round matchup attracting attention.On the Women’s Singles side, Wang Manyu enters the tournament in high spirits after capturing her second World Table Tennis Finals title in December 2025, aiming to start 2026 with a new crown.However, the draw pairs her against Japanese player Satsuki Odo, promising a fiercely competitive opening round.Qatari player Aya Mohamed faces a challenging start, meeting French competitor Prithika Pavade in her first-round match.Spectators are also looking forward to a rematch between Japanese Miwa Harimoto and Chinese Shin Yubin, continuing a recurring rivalry. Harimoto aims to rebound after losing to compatriot Hina Hayata in the Frankfurt Finals, seeking to reclaim her place on the global podium.Following WTT Champions, the series continues with WTT Star Contender Doha 2026 from January 13-18, featuring 170 athletes, followed by the WTT Youth Contender from January 19-22 and the WTT Star Youth Contender from January 23-25, highlighting emerging talent from across the continents.The series concludes with the WTT Feeder event from January 27-31, providing athletes with a crucial opportunity to earn world ranking points, featuring 114 competitors.This final stage underscores the comprehensive, multi-level structure of the series and affirms Doha’s central role in supporting all levels of the sport.Significant cash prizes have been allocated for these tournaments, including USD 500,000 for WTT Champions Doha 2026 and $ 300,000 for the WTT Star Contender.Approximately 50 international referees are participating in overseeing the events, with the organizing committee finalizing all preparations, including venue readiness, athlete accommodations, and delegation reception.Hosting this global series reinforces Qatar’s vision of establishing itself as a world-class sports hub, not limited to football, but encompassing individual and team sports, particularly Table tennis, which continues to gain increasing attention both domestically and internationally.The WTT series in Doha offers spectators an exceptional opportunity to follow the world’s best players and discover the next generation of stars, all within an organizational framework that reflects Qatar’s reputation and extensive experience in hosting major global sporting events.Overall, QTTA looks forward to continuing this successful series of Table Tennis events following the remarkable hosting of the 2025 WTT Championships in Qatar, alongside other combined tournaments held in previous years. 

Team Qatar Set for Friendly Handball Test Against UAE

Doha – The Qatari national handball team will face the UAE  on Wednesday, at Duhail Handball Sports Hall in a friendly match as part of its final preparations for the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship, scheduled to take place in Kuwait from January 15 to 26 and serving as a qualifier for the 2027 IHF World Championship in Germany.The two teams previously met in a friendly that ended in a 21–21 draw, with Qatar competing using its reserve squad. This time, the senior national team will be in action as the coaching staff looks to fine-tune performance and evaluate readiness ahead of the continental challenge.Qatar has been drawn in Group A alongside South Korea and Oman. Group B includes Bahrain, Iraq, China, and Jordan, while Group C features Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India. Group D brings together Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.The top two teams from each group will advance to the main round, where eight teams will be split into two groups and compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each main-round group will qualify for the semifinals and secure direct qualification for the 2027 World Championship.Team Qatar heads into the tournament aiming to retain its Asian crown after winning the title in the last six editions, and to reach the World Championship for the 11th time. The team’s best performance on the world stage remains a second-place finish at the Qatar 2015 World Championship.Qatar is also the defending champion, having won the 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship in Bahrain last year after defeating Japan 30–24 in the final. 

Qatar Handball Team draw with UAE in friendly match

Doha : The Qatar national handball team played out a 21–21 draw against their UAE counterparts in a friendly match held today at Duhail Sports Hall, as part of their preparations for the Asian Men's Handball Championship, which will take place in Kuwait from 15 to 26 January and serves as a qualifier for the IHF Men's World Championship 2027 in Germany.Qatar contested today’s match using their second (reserve) team, as part of efforts to prepare all squad members for the upcoming Asian Championship and ensure the availability of the largest possible pool of match-ready players for the continental competition.A second friendly match between the two teams is scheduled to be held the day after tomorrow (Wednesday), with Qatar set to field their first team. The match will provide an opportunity to assess the team’s level of readiness ahead of the Asian Championship, in which Qatar have been drawn into Group A alongside South Korea and Oman. Group B includes Bahrain, Iraq, China, and Jordan, while Group C features Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India. Group D comprises Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.The top two teams from each group will advance to the main round, which will feature eight teams divided into two groups playing a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, in addition to securing direct qualification for the 2027 World Championship.The Qatar national handball team are aiming to defend the Asian title they have won in the last six editions and to qualify for the World Championship for the 11th time in their history. Their best-ever finish at the World Championship came at the Qatar 2015 edition, where they claimed the silver medal.Qatar were crowned champions of the most recent 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship, held in Bahrain last year, after defeating Japan 30–24 in the final. 

QOC President Crowns Winners at Opening Round of HH Father Amir Prix

Doha: HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of the Doha Equestrian Tour Organising Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani crowned the winners at the conclusion of the first round of HH the Father Amir Prix, which concluded today at the indoor and outdoor Longines arenas at Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation.The final day featured seven competitions across categories ranging from one-star to four-star events, with the participation of 248 male and female riders representing elite local and international competitors. The total prize money for the round exceeded EUR 530,000, in an atmosphere marked by high-level competition and outstanding organisation.British rider Harry Charles claimed the four-star Grand Prix title at a height of 155cm following an impressive jump-off performance, completing the course in 38.20 seconds aboard "Casquo Blue." He narrowly edged compatriot Scott Brash, who finished second in 38.48 seconds riding "Hello Folie," while Thailand's Janakabhorn Karunayadhaj secured third place in 40.14 seconds on "Maxwin."In the four-star competition at a height of 145cm, Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano claimed first place with a time of 31.12 seconds aboard "Vasco." Fellow Italian Roberto Previtali finished second in 32.27 seconds on "Chacco," while Britain's Millie Allen placed third with a time of 32.68 seconds riding "Quickly."The third and final day of competition opened with the two-star event at 135cm, where Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano once again took top honours, recording a time of 66.71 seconds on "Chabrilo." Jordanian rider Ibrahim Hani Bisharat finished second in 68.8 seconds on "I'll Nino," while Roberto Previtali secured third place with a time of 70.7 seconds aboard "Desandro."In the two-star Grand Prix at 145cm, British rider Oliver Fletcher clinched the title with a time of 33.59 seconds on "Kagos." Millie Allen finished second in 34.02 seconds riding "Quick Diamant," while Germany's Philipp Weishaupt claimed third place with a time of 34.74 seconds aboard "Kalou."Qatari rider Hussein Saeed Haidan won the one-star Grand Prix at 130cm after completing the course in 32.36 seconds on "De Saucedo." Fellow Qatari Saad Ahmed Al Saad placed second in 34.25 seconds riding "Fashion de Douits," while Ghanem Nasser Al Qadi finished third with a time of 36.43 seconds on "Mokaines."In the two-star competition at 130cm, Qatari rider Fares Saad Al Qahtani claimed first place in 56.65 seconds aboard "Cavalina." Saudi rider Fahad Al Juaid finished second with a time of 59.62 seconds on "Fatena," while Egypt's Ali Sabour placed third in 62.16 seconds riding "Nintendo."At a height of 115cm in the same category, Qatari rider Abdulaziz Jassim Al Thani secured first place with a time of 49.21 seconds on "Gabana M." Saudi rider Hassan Al Hadi finished second in 49.33 seconds on "DSB CC," while Qatari rider Ali Omar Al Ansari placed third after completing the course in 50.93 seconds aboard "Nikita."The second round of HH the Father Amir Prix is scheduled to take place from January 8 to 10 at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. The championship comprises four international rounds featuring categories from one-star to five-star events, in addition to dedicated competitions for junior and youth riders.The second, third, and fourth rounds will include qualifying events for the FEI Group VII Finals, further enhancing the competitive stature of the championship.The inaugural edition of the tournament is being organised through a joint collaboration between the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Al Shaqab, and the Qatar Olympic Committee, with the support of Qatar Airways as the official carrier and Education Above All Foundation as the humanitarian partner.Following the conclusion of the championship, the Sword of HH the Amir Showjumping competition will be held from February 11 to 14 at Al Shaqab's Longines Arena. The event will feature elite international riders across one-star to five-star categories, alongside various dressage competitions.British rider Harry Charles expressed his great satisfaction with winning the four-star Grand Prix at the conclusion of the first round, noting that the strong start to the season provides additional motivation to continue competing at the highest level. He highlighted his enjoyment of competing at Al Shaqab and in Doha, praising the excellent atmosphere, the warm reception from spectators, and the high standard of organisation and hospitality.Charles also indicated that his next objective is to maintain this winning momentum, acknowledging the challenge of doing so, but expressing confidence due to the quality of horses at his disposal. He added that he plans to remain in Doha for two months to take part in upcoming competitions, with the aim of continuing to deliver strong performances.  

Qatar's Handball Team to face UAE's in friendly match

Doha: The Qatar national handball team will face their Emirati counterparts in a friendly at Duhail Handball Sports Hall, Monday.The match will be held in the context of preparing for the 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship, to take place in Kuwait from January 15 to 26, and to serve as a qualifier for the 30th IHF Men's World Championship in Germany.This friendly is one of a series of preparatory fixtures that the Qatari team will participate in as to reach the highest level of readiness ahead of the Asian Championship.The draw placed Qatar in Group A alongside South Korea and Oman. Group B includes Bahrain, Iraq, China, and Jordan, while Group C comprises Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India, and Group D includes Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.The teams finishing first and second in each group will qualify for the main round, which will feature eight teams divided into two groups playing in a round-robin format.The top two teams from each of these groups will advance to the semifinals and will also qualify directly for the 30th IHF Men's World Championship.Qatar seeks to retain their Asian title, having won the last six editions, and to qualify for the World Championship for the eleventh time.The country's best-ever World Championship result was finishing second at the 2015 edition held here. 

Saudi’s Alsharbatly continues winning streak at Al Shaqab

Doha: Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly continued his dominant run at the inaugural HH The Father Amir’s Prix, adding two more victories on Saturday after claiming two wins on the opening day, including the feature event at Al Shaqab.Running from 2–4 January, Tour 1 offers a total prize fund of €538,000. Across the full four-tour HH The Father Amir’s Prix series, prize money totals €3,303,000, with Tours 1 and 2 welcoming 248 riders competing with 524 horses.Alsharbatly secured top honours in the CSI4* Jump-Off (1.50m), delivering a faultless double-clear round aboard Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junio. He topped a field of 33 starters, stopping the clock at 39.95 seconds in the jump-off to pocket the winner’s prize of €26,500. Austria’s Max Kuhner finished second on Eic Quantum Robin V after another clear jump-off in 40.73 seconds, earning €21,200, while Britain’s Sienna Charles completed the podium in third place aboard Stardust with a clear round in 41.04 seconds to take home €15,900.Earlier in the day, Alsharbatly also claimed victory in the CSI2* Special Two-Phase (1.30m). He finished first on Dr Scarpo with a double-clear round in 32.44 seconds, ahead of Qatar’s Suhaim Hamad al-Yafei on Flash du Puits (0–0/34.28) and fellow Saudi rider Fahad Aljuaid on Fatina (0–0/36.28).The 43-year-old, who was part of the Saudi team that won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, said winning two classes on two different horses made the day especially memorable. He said: “It’s been a fantastic day – two wins with two different horses is always special. Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior was exceptional in the 1.50m jump-off, and Dr Scarpo was equally sharp and responsive in the earlier round. I’m really pleased with how both horses performed.”In other results, Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano won the CSI4* Faults & Time (1.45m) on Vasco 118 with a clear round in 65.34 seconds, followed by compatriot Roberto Previtali on Chaquano PS (67.33 secs) and Austria’s Gerfried Puck on Idiaal Special H.J. (68.47 secs).Britain’s Millie Allen topped the CSI2* Faults & Time (1.45m) on Quick Diamant HR in 64.86 seconds, ahead of Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt on Callao L (66.85 secs) and France’s Megane Moissonnier on Qoup de Coeur de Muze (67.08 secs).Egyptian riders dominated the CSI2* Faults & Time (1.35m), with Mohamed Elshenawy winning on Kamelia DS (65.44 secs), followed by Haya Osama El Borai on Kadoky (68.53 secs). Megane Moissonnier finished third on Chacarija PS (68.87 secs).In the CSI1* Faults & Time (1.15m), Qatar’s Ali Omar AH Al Ansari claimed victory on Nikita Eindeken Z with a clear round in 52.60 seconds. Syria’s Sarah Al Masri placed second on Georgia de Maugre (56.63 secs), while Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmohsen Alshammari finished third on Felton des Cinq Chenes (56.76 secs).Al Ansari said: “It’s a great feeling to win here at Al Shaqab. Nikita Eindeken Z jumped with confidence, and everything came together for a clear round. We’re happy with this result and will keep building through the weekend.”Saudi rider Bader Alfard won the CSI1* Faults & Time (1.25m) on Murdock (58.38 secs), ahead of Egypt’s Fatima Mohanad Alkishawi on Quintalou (59.90 secs) and Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Fahad Aleid on Kayenne Of de Rocky Mounten (59.91 secs).Tour 1 concludes on Sunday with a full programme featuring CSI2* 135cm (Table C), CSI2* 130cm (Faults & Time), CSI4* 145cm (Special Two-Phase), CSI1* 130cm Grand Prix (Jump-Off), CSI2* 145cm Grand Prix (Jump-Off), and the CSI4* 155cm Grand Prix (Jump-Off) as the final feature class.The inaugural HH The Father Amir’s Prix is organized by the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Al Shaqab and the Qatar Olympic Committee.