Rublev to face Draper in Qatar Open final

Doha: Andrey Rublev of Russia on Friday secured his third Qatar Open final berth with a hard-fought three-set victory over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.  The 2020 champion, seeded fifth, battled for nearly three hours, ultimately prevailing 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5). In the final today, Rublev will take on Great Britain’s Jack Draper who on Friday rallied from a set down to beat Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka who defeated Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday.  Draper on Friday won 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 on the Centre Court at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex. Auger-Aliassime’s powerful serve, delivering 21 aces, pushed Rublev to his limits in the day’s first semi-final.  The Russian admitted feeling helpless at times against such strong serves from Lehecka. “It feels amazing (to be in a third Doha final), but at the same time what can I do?” Rublev said on Friday.  “If it doesn’t happen, next week I have another tournament, another opportunity. “I am happy that I am back in terms of my level. I think I am playing better and better week by week, so I’m improving.  “I will keep the main focus, even if I don’t win this final, just to keep improving,” he said. Having qualified for his third final in Qatar, Rublev said he is playing better compared to 2018 when he first reached the Doha title clash.  “Everything is better. If I can compare my game, physically I’m better, mentally I’m better, game-wise I’m better. So, yeah, more complete player as before,” Rublev said on Friday.  “The year 2020 was amazing for me because I was coming back from 2018 and 2019 and those were tough seasons because I had injuries.  “It was a comeback for me. At the end of 2019 I played really well. With 2020, because Doha (tournament) was (held) in January that time, I was able to win Doha and Adelaide back-to-back. For me it was like a huge step forward to get closer to the top 10 in the world,” he added.  “I guess those were the main tournaments, because then we had pandemic. And after pandemic, like after one tournament I was already top 10. Those two tournaments helped me a lot to get closer to the top-10 ranking, and then I was able to stay there. Yeah, so now I’m much better player in everything,” the Russian told reporters.  Draper battled from behind to beat Lehecka and reach his fifth tour-level final. The British lefty fired 14 aces and won 88 per cent (45/51) of his first-serve points to win after two hours and 24 minutes. Draper is up to No.12 in the world rankings and will rise to a career-high on Monday.  The 23-year-old would become the World No.11 if he defeats Rublev and wins his third tour-level title and second at ATP 500 level (Vienna).   

Allen sizzles in five-star showjumping on day 2 of CHI Al Shaqab

Doha: The second day of the 12th edition of the CHI Championship presented by Longines continued at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab (Member, Qatar Foundation) on Friday with exhilarating showjumping, dressage and para dressage action.   Stealing the showjumping limelight at the magnificent Longines outdoor arena was Millie Allen, who won the CSI5* - Prix Hermes Sellier - Jump Off - 1.55m (LR) - GP Qualifier class after a thrilling finish in the jump off.   Allen (from Great Britain) sizzled with grey gelding Clearround IL Mondo Z on the vast course clearing obstacles with fine control and authority to clock flawless best of 37.74secs in the jump off.   Finishing almost a second behind was German Hans-Dieter Dreher, who combining with grey gelding Elysium needed 37.81secs to make the clear round.    Italian Emanuele Camilli, on mount Chacco’s Girlstar - a chestnut mare, and Spaniard Mariano Martinez Bastida (on bay gelding Jup) shared the third podium place - both finishing in 37.94secs.   As many as 45 top riders from around the world started in the class and 12 had made it to the jump off.   The winners were crowned by Wissam Al Mana, CEO of Hermes Middle East, and Rashid Nasser Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the championship.  

Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship kicks off in Doha

Doha: The Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship began yesterday morning at Aspire Academy, marking the start of a two-day event featuring 225 young gymnasts from six countries—Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq.  The opening ceremony was attended by officials from the Qatar Gymnastics Federation along with the gymnasts' parents, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Qatar is represented in the championship by 60 gymnasts from the Qatar Gymnastics Club Academy and the Qatar Gymnastics Academy. Ali Al-Hitmi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, expressed his delight at the strong performances displayed by the gymnasts, emphasizing that the high level of competition reflects the commitment of participating nations to fielding their best athletes. "The high technical level of the participants has made the judging process challenging, which is a testament to the quality of gymnasts in this tournament," he stated. He also said "What started as an idea has now evolved into a distinguished championship, providing academies with a great opportunity to assess their gymnasts' progress at this crucial developmental stage. For the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, this tournament is an excellent platform to identify emerging talent and evaluate the effectiveness of academy training programs, helping shape the federation's future strategy." Speaking on the event’s organization, Al-Hitmi stressed that the championship has set a new standard for academy-level competitions, stating, "Everyone is pleased with the high level of organization, and we have received excellent feedback. The strong participation numbers and the quality of organization reflect Qatar’s expertise in hosting international gymnastics events. Our goal is always to ensure that every tournament held in Qatar meets world-class standards." He also pointed out that the event supports Qatar’s tourism sector, as the gymnasts' families have traveled from various countries, offering them a chance to explore Qatar’s cultural and tourist attractions. Abeer Al-Buainain, Vice Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, praised the high technical level of the competition, stating "As expected, the performances have been incredibly strong, making it difficult for the judging panel due to the close competition and tight scoring margins." "With 60 Qatari gymnasts participating, the championship provides an invaluable experience for them to compete against top talent from various countries. This exposure helps in discovering new talents and enhances the experience of our young gymnasts." She added.  She concluded by emphasizing the championship’s significance, saying "Though it is a two-day event, the tournament has witnessed strong participation from academy gymnasts and has been delivered at an exceptional organizational level, making it one of the best competitions in this category."

Delestre shines under lights as CHI Al Shaqab kicks off with exciting rounds

Doha: The three-day 12th edition of CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines kicked off at the Longines indoor and outdoor arenas of Al Shaqab (Member, Qatar Foundation) on Thursday with the participation of 247 riders, including the word’s very best, from 41 countries. The prominent annual FEI event which includes, showjumping, dressage and para dressage carries a total prize-money over €1.3 million euros. Frenchman Simon Delestre stole the day’s limelight winning the sterling CSI5* - Faults & Time - 1.50m (LR) - GP Qualifier class held under lights at the Longines outdoor arena. The seasoned Delestre rode black gelding Dexter Fontenis Z with aplomb for a flawless and fastest routine in 56.01secs. The triumph also won him a top prize of €26,875. Belgian Abdel Said, who had also excelled at HH The Amir Sword Festival at the same venue a few days ago claimed the second podium place, riding chestnut mare Arpege du RU. Said clocked 57.61secs. The third spot went to France’s Julien Anquetin, who cleared in a close 57.62secs astride bay mare Farah Tame. The winners were crowned by Dr. Noura Bouhalika, CEO of Q Communications. Earlier, Great Britain’s Ellen Whitaker on bay stallion Quainton X-Rated won the CSI5* - Faults & Time - 1.45m class with the best flawless time of 61.41secs. French Olivier Perreau, riding Frisky de La Fontaine, was second (62.88secs) and Italian Roberto Previtali astride Hachiko was third (63.14secs). The CSI3* - Faults & Time - 1.45m (LR) - GP Qualifier class was clinched by Italian Emanuele Gaudiano, who on his mount darkbay stallion Vasco 118 clocked the flawless best 60.97secs. Great Britain’s Millie Allen on Quick Diamant HR finished second (62.21secs), and South African Oliver Lazarus third on Butterfly Ennemmel (64.41secs). The winners were crowned by Abdulrahman Al Kaabi, Member of the tournament’s organizing committee. The day’s opening CSI3* - Faults & Time - 1.35m showjumping class was won by Qatar’s Sultan Salem Al Naemi, who astide bay gelding Cethys de Vernay clocked a flawless and swiftest 58.74secs. Great Britain’s Grace Healey on Jabadabadoo finished second (59.36secs), while Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Almobty, riding Mary Ann 12, ended third (60.00secs). The winners were crowned by Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, the Event Director. Qatari riders made a podium sweep in the CSICh-B - Special Two-Phase - 1.05m class with Abdul Aziz Jassim AJ Al Thani, riding grey mare Gabbana M, taking the top place with best flawless times of 33.01 and 27.51secs. Sharida Nasser SS Al Kaabi on bay mare Proud was second (36.45 & 29.94secs), and Mohammed Hamza MA Al Kuwari (on grey mare Carte Blanche) third with times of 36.21 & 31.24secs respectively. Khalifa Al Attiyah, Executive Director of Al Shaqab, honoured the winners. Qatari riders also excelled in the CSI1* - Special Two-Phase - 1.10m where Yaqoub Nasser Al Mass stood out with bay mare Aphrodite S Z clocking 27.98secs and 25.74secs in the two phases. Abdulla Khalid Al Julandani with darkbay gelding Corsini finished in second (26.93 & 25.82secs) while Jassim Al Kuwari on brown gelding Dorus HH was third (25.54secs and 27.33secs respectively). Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly won the CSI1* - Faults & Time - 1.20m - GP Qualifier class combining with grey stallion Dr Scarpo and returning a best time of 46.72secs. His compatriot Khaled Alhady finished second astride Doremi du Flot Z (48.84secs), while Qatar’s Fahad Jassim HK Al Thani claimed the third podium place riding bay mare Hazel de Luxe (50.61secs). Abdullah Al Qashouti, Director of Communications and Marketing of the event, crowned the winners. The Future Riders’ Optimum Time - 0.60m class was topped by American Sophia Marie Ghaith who excelled on Shadow clocking the best time of 53.86secs. Qatar’s Aljohara Mohammed H Al Thani, riding Ready To Rock And Role, took the second podium place clocking flawless 54.32secs, while Shaikha Hamad A Al Yafei on Lancome Paris was third in 53.28secs. Ahmed Khaled Al Humaidi, Heritage and Heritage Specialist at Al Shaqab, honoured the winners with their prizes. The para dressage competitions were exciting in various categories. In the CPEDI3* - Grand Prix A - Grade I class, The Netherlands’ Annemarieke Nobel garnered a cumulative total of 73.958 points with blackbay gelding Doo Schufro to emerge best. Dutch Loes Cevaal topped CPEDI3* - Grand Prix A - Grade II class with a total score of 72.012 points. Holland’s Rixt van der Horst excelled in CPEDI3* - Grand Prix A - Grade III totaling 76.167 points with chestnut stallion Eisma’s Royal Fonq N.O.P. The CPEDI3* - Grand Prix A - Grade IV class was won by Denmark’s Pia Wulff Jelstrup astride bay mare Zafia (70.139). Finland’s Jonna Aaltonen claimed CPEDI3* - Grand Prix A - Grade V title nothing the best score of 70.000 riding chestnut gelding Laxton For U. Omar Al Buainain, the Event’s Deputy Director, crowned the winners. Qatar riders excelled in the Preliminary Freestyle dressage event with Jassim Mohamed JA Al Kuwari taking the top two podium spots. He combined with bay gelding Floyd for a best total of 73.125 points and later returned astride Kesslervank to win the second place with a score of 72.392. Maryam Ahmad SA Al Boinin finished in third astride Hutrine-V Z (70.158pts). Jassim Al Kuwari also won the CDI1* - Prix St. Georges dressage class astride Jack Sparrow with a best total of 69.461 points. Reflecting on the opening day, Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin said there were exciting rounds and also where Qatari riders were crowned on more than one occasion, which gives another dimension to the championship, considering that it provides an ideal platform for riders to compete with the world’s best.“This year’s championship provides for an exceptional version, especially since it follows 4 international championships held earlier, such as the HH the Amir’s Sword Festival and the three Doha International Equestrian rounds in 2025. “CHI Al Shaqab has become a symbol of sporting excellence that the State of Qatar enjoys at the international level and the fans wait for a special version each year, in light of the great successes achieved by the previous rounds in terms of organization, technical aspects, or the wide audience turnout. The prominent FEI event also enhances Al Shaqab’s position as the cradle of equestrianism in Qatar and the region, and embodies our commitment to promoting the love of this ancient sport,” added Al Khayarin.  

Lehecka stuns Alcaraz as Rublev advances to semis

Doha: Carlos Alcaraz crashed out of the Qatar Open in the quarter-finals on Thursday after losing to Jiri Lehecka, the Spaniard heading for the exit along with second seed Alex de Minaur. The top seed dropped the first set before recovering to level, and then led by a break in the decider, but world number 25 Lehecka won the final four games for a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 victory. Alcaraz entered the clash on a seven-match winning streak following his triumph in Rotterdam earlier this month but ran into trouble against a confident Lehecka, who won his second career title in Brisbane to start the year. “I feel great,” said Lehecka. “To win a match like that against a player like this is a super big achievement. I believed in myself and knew I had the level to produce this kind of tennis. I think the most important part was I believed in my game and did not back down.” The 23-year-old Czech will play British eighth seed Jack Draper who beat Italy’s Matteo Berrettini on Thursday. Draper won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Lehecka will take on Draper on Friday for a place in the final. Lehecka is through to the last four in Doha for the second time. Berrettini, a former world number six and Wimbledon runner-up, knocked out Novak Djokovic in the second round. Andrey Rublev converted his eighth match point against De Minaur to take his place in the semi-finals. The Russian, a Qatar winner in 2020, had to dig deep to down the Australian 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (10/8). Fifth-seeded Rublev let slip a 5-2 lead in the final set as De Minaur scrambled back into contention to force a tiebreak. Rublev finally got over the line, the 27-year-old saving a match point himself in a memorable quarter-final clash. “When I had my first match point, I played really well,” said Rublev. “I did everything amazing and he just played an unreal rally. He made the backhand down the line and I played a good volley. Then he makes a forehand pass down the line. In most of the matches, normally after these points, they win – it’s a turning (point). “I then started to get a bit more tight and more emotional, I was a bit unlucky. Then when I lost my serve, I said ‘Okay, whatever, if I’m gonna lose, at least just try to do your best until the end’.” This was his first win against a top-10 player since August last year. Rublev’s reward for his fourth semi-final appearance in Qatar was a meeting with Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian was leading his quarter-final against Daniil Medvedev 6-3 when the Russian had to retire.

Team Qatar officially qualify for FIBA Asia Cup 2025

Astana, Kazakhstan: Nearly a decade of waiting has finally come to an end after Qatar officially sealed their place in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 following a masterful 92-71 victory over Kazakhstan, Friday night at the Jekpe-Jek Saraiy.   The team from the Gulf took control of the game early before breaking away come the second chapter, never to look back as they went on to book their return trip to the prestigious continental showpiece after eight long years.   The last time they qualified was in the 2017 edition in Lebanon, finishing 13th among the 16 teams in the tournament eventually lorded over by the debuting Australia.  Now, they are bound for their 11th appearance in the Asia Cup, looking of course to shock the competition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as they continue their gear-up toward the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 which the country will be hosting.   Qatar leaned on a balanced attack to secure the important win, with star guard Mike Lewis leading the way with 19 points on a perfect 4-of-4 clip from three-point distance - including one to beat the first half buzzer for a commanding 45-29 lead.   Tyler Harris and Ndoye Seydou finished with identical numbers of 14 points and 9 rebounds as the two shone bright in sharing frontcourt duties.   Moustafa Fouda chipped in 14 points as well alongside 6 assists in the win that saw the visiting team shoot 48.3-percent from the field, thanks to their 21 dimes.   With the triumph, the Qataris have now stretched their winning streak to three in the Asia Cup Qualifiers, going unbeaten thus far since Hakan Demir took over the men's program's head coaching reins just prior to Window 2 last November.  One of his first memorable moments with the squad was their thrilling 78-77 overtime squeaker against coincidentally his ex-team in Iran in that window.   It was their first win against Team Melli in almost two decades. But Friday night's successful road trip should be up there as well, for it brought them back to the Asia Cup after missing the 2022 competitions held in Jakarta, Indonesia.   Qatar have improved to 3-2 in Group E to go above .500 for the first time in the ongoing Qualifiers, and can wrap up their campaign with another W against India - the same team they beat to start the streak - on February 24 in Doha.   Vadim Chsherbak, meanwhile, had 13 points to lead Kazakhstan, who fell to 2-3 with the loss and will need to beat Iran at home to stay afloat.   The Iranians have earlier clinched the first Asia Cup berth from the group by beating India and now, Qatar have followed suit after their own convincing win.   With this, the Blue Wolves and India can finish third at best in the pool, which if one of them does will bring them to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifying Tournaments.