Gaoyuan shocks Ma Long at WTT Finals

Doha: Lin Gaoyuan stunned the fans at Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday evening as the underdog knocked out veteran Ma Long in the quarter-finals of the Men’s Singles at WTT Finals Men Doha, winning 3-2 (11-4, 5-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5). Ma came into the match as the heavy favourite. The 3rd seed had won all of his previous encounters against Lin, with the head-to-head standing at 7:0. But the World No.7 had been converting each loss in to experience and tonight he cashed in on that bank of knowledge. “I took a learner’s attitude. Having faced Ma Long many times, each encounter brought me new experiences. Seeing him standing at the other side of the table itself is a pleasure. Watching his adjustments during a match, how he controls crucial points, each time I can learn something new,” said Gaoyuan. It was a tense match straight out the gate, with the duo exchanging games on the scoreboard with relative ease. The following two games however were anything but straightforward, with neither athlete giving away an inch of the table. Both Lin and Ma held their ground in fast-paced exchanges. The loop-to-loop rallies of old cast out the window in favour of close to the table counter exchanges on each corner. Ma Long went deep in to his well of knowledge to find a way through Lin. In unrelenting fashion, the players sent the match to a decider. As the fifth game progressed, fortune favoured Lin. The underdog got the better of his opponent in the early exchanges and built himself up a lead. Lin Gaoyuan will now face Fan Zhendong in tomorrow’s semifinal. Meanwhile, Dang Qiu is also flipping the script in Qatar, sending Liang Jingkun to an early exit.The pengrip wielding German knocked out the 4th seed to move in to the Men’s Singles semifinal, taking down the match 3-2 (2-11, 14-12, 6-11, 11-9, 11-6). The surprise win continues a newly found rich vein of form for the World No.13. Before Doha, Qiu had not made it past a Top 10 athlete all season. Now at the WTT Finals, he has posted back-to-back wins, with his victory over World No.4 Liang adding to yesterday’s win against World No.9 Lin Shidong. Qiu will meet the defending champion and world No.2 Wang Chuqin. who defeated Tomokazu Harimoto 3:0 (12-10, 11-8, 11-8).  

Countdown for World Aquatics Championships begins

Doha: The first ever World Aquatics Championships to be held in the Middle East begin in 30 days’ time as Qatar prepares to host the flagship event between 2 and 18 February. Around 2,600 athletes from more than 190 countries will travel to Doha to compete in 75 medal events across six aquatic sports, with competitions to take place at the Aspire Dome, Hamad Aquatic Centre and Old Doha Port. On the occasion, the Doha 2024 Local Organizing Committee held a press conference, sharing the latest plans and progress related to a variety of organizational topics. The General Director of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Khaleel Ibrahim Al Jaber, and Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani, Director of Marketing, Communications, Opening & Closing Ceremonies Committee, provided the local media with an update on the overall progress including transportation, security, logistics, ticket sales, venue readiness, volunteers, mascots tours and participant statistics. Khaleel Ibrahim Al Jaber emphasised the LOC’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes and spectators. He said: “We are committed to delivering a world-class event and experience for athletes and spectators alike. “Preparations continue to run smoothly, and Qatar has proven itself to be a world leader in hosting sports events over the past decade, which is a legacy the World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024 will continue. By embracing Qatar’s hospitality alongside sporting excellence, our event promises to leave a lasting impact on Qatar and the region. “It is the biggest event we are going to host and we are fully prepared to host successful World Aquatics Championships,” Khaleel Ibrahim Al Jaber, who is also the President of Qatar Swimming Association, added. Additionally, Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani said: “This landmark event symbolises a significant milestone in our dedication to promoting sports in the region. As we get closer to hosting Doha 2024, we aim to continue educating and raising awareness about aquatic sports across our local communities. The LOC is also providing an opportunity for passionate individuals to get closer to the action and acquire valuable experiences through volunteering across diverse fields. We anticipate a showcase of unparalleled skill, dedication, cultural unity, and we encourage everyone to join us on our journey to making history. “The opening ceremony will be unique for spectators. There will be many more entertainment activities during the championships. We are looking forward to welcoming to huge number of fans as tickets sale is growing. Together with Discover Qatar we have formed packages for fans coming from abroad.” On his part, Husain Al Musallam, President of World Aquatics, in his message said: “I am thrilled as we countdown 30 days to the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024. With 197 countries vying for victory across 6 sports and 75 medal events, this championship is the global aquatics showcase event and qualification gateway to the Paris 2024 Olympics. It’s a celebration of aquatic prowess and a testament to athletes’ dedication worldwide. Let’s embrace the anticipation and witness the excellence that will unfold in Doha!” Mayfara and Nahim, the official championships mascots, also engaged with local media attendees and have been touring around the city to raise awareness about the event and promote sustainability. Furthermore, the 2nd Arab Age Group Aquatics Championships to be held from 10 to 15 January 2024, will act as a crucial test event ahead of the World Aquatics Championships. To witness elite athletes in action and attend this historic event in Qatar, find further details and purchase tickets at https://www.worldaquatics-doha2024.com/en/ticketing.  

WTT Finals get underway

Doha: It was nearly a day to remember for World No.14 Darko Jorgic who just fell short of victory against World No.1 Fan Zhendong in their electrifying Round of 16 battle at WTT Finals Men Doha 2023 (11-7, 7-11, 7-11, 19-17, 11-8) on Wednesday. Jorgic couldn’t have asked for tougher opposition than the event’s 2021 champion. To add to his status, Fan, who, prior to play at the Lusail Sports Arena, had dominated both of their previous head-to-head contests, with Jorgic failing to win a single game. Determined to change this, Jorgic got the ball rolling, showcasing his deadly backhand counter and forcing unusual errors from the World No.1, stealing the first game with an 11-7 tagline. Despite the slow-start, Fan revved up his game and, looking more comfortable in the court, bounced back to claim the second and third games, now leading the contest 2-1. The fourth game was nothing but excitement, as fans witnessed Jorgic save two match points to enter deuce. In an enthralling display of insane topspin exchanges, it was Jorgic who would come out on top with a mouth-watering 19:17 scoreline, forcing Fan into a deciding game. It was neck-and-neck throughout, with both players exhibiting stellar table tennis to the very end. But true to style, it was Fan who would come up trumps, booking his spot in the quarter-finals, where he is set to face Quadri Aruna. “I didn’t get in the zone very quickly in the first game. My performance after that is normal. The scores are very close and I’ve been trying to pull ahead. He did very well in aspects I didn’t expect today, which gave me quite some pressure,” said Zhendong. Wang Chuqin got his campaign for a title defence underway in the vening as the Chinese saw off debutant Felix Lebrun 3-1 (11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8). It may have been a first-time meeting between the duo, but it was one which Wang had been hitting the books for. Lebrun came to Doha after enjoying a breakthrough season which saw him pick up his maiden WTT Series title as well as cracking the Top 10 for the first time. The study brought dividends and, despite some wobbles on the receive game at times, the World No.2 maintained a handle on the match throughout. World No. 16, Quadri Aruna dished out one of the biggest wins of his career as he stormed to comeback victory over Brazilian Hugo Calderano. Trailing for most the time out, Aruna was able save a match point and post a monumental 3-2 (7-11, 2-11, 11-9, 12-10, 12-10) win to move in to the quarter-finals of the men’s singles. After the match, Aruna was a face full of smiles having pulled off a seemingly impossible feat. “I cannot describe how it feels, but I’m very happy and excited,” he said. Going in to the round of 16 encounter, the Nigerian trailed 0:2 in head-to-head against Calderano. History looked to be repeating as the World No.5 from Brazil stormed to a two-games lead, dropping just a total of nine points along the way. With a dazzling display of acrobatic table tennis, Aruna landed a series of booming forehands to keep himself in the match and ultimately take the win. With a win in the bag, Aruna will be looking to ride the wave to an even bigger upset as he faces Fan Zhendong on Thursday in the quarter-finals. Elsewhere in the draw, Dang Qiu was able to halt a comeback attempt from Lin Shidong as the German upset the global standings to defeat World number nine 3-2 (11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 2-11, 11-8). “It felt good. Honestly after 2-0 and it became 2-2 it didn’t feel so good anymore. I’m happy I could prevail and win this match,” said Qiu. Despite seemingly almost let the match slip from his hands, Dang felt in good form after his first ever WTT Finals win.   

Lopez names Qatar squad for Asian Cup

Doha: Team Qatar coach Marques Lopez revealed the 26-player squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar from January 12 to February 10. Osama Al Tairi and Mohamed Muntari will miss the tournament due to injuries sustained during a training camp currently being held at the Aspire Academy. They have been replaced by Al Duhail duo Khaled Mohamed and Ismail Mohamed. Goalkeeper Saoud Al Khater, who previously played under Lopez at Al Wakrah, has been omitted from the preliminary squad. Al Annabi are drawn in Group A along with China, Tajikistan and Lebanon. Qatar, who won the title for the first time when the tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, will open their defence against Lebanon on January 12 at the Lusail Stadium. They then take on Tajikistan at the Al Bayt Stadium on January 17, before their final group stage match takes place on January 22 against China at the Khalifa International Stadium. While Qatar is expected to smoothly advance to the knockout stage, the real test lies in whether they can challenge for the title. As hosts, they carry the added weight of expectation, compounded by the recent coaching change with Lopez replacing Carlos Queiroz last month, marking their third head coach in under a year. Qatar’s FIFA World Cup debut in 2022 at home ended disastrously with three defeats and Queiroz, upon his appointment as head coach in last February, had said his immediate task was to rebuild the team. Despite the veteran Portuguese manager’s efforts to find new talents and rejuvenate experienced players, his sudden dismissal came as a surprise. Now, Lopez faces the monumental task of rallying the squad to defend their title on home soil. Several members of the 2019 squad still remain as the mainstays of the team, including captain Hassan Al Haydos, Boualem Khoukhi, Almoez Ali, Bassam Al Rawi and Akram Afif. Almoez Ali was named the Most Valuable Player in 2019 as his record nine goals helped Qatar clinch an historical title, while Afif registered a tournament record 10 assists four years ago. But both have failed to reach the heights of Qatar’s continental conquest four years ago. On Sunday, Qatar handed Cambodia a 3-0 defeat in a friendly match with Almoez Ali scoring a hat-trick. They are scheduled to play another friendly against Jordan on Thursday. Last week, Lopez had said he was pleased with his team’s preparations for the AFC Asian Cup. “I am happy with the determination players are showing during the training sessions. I am very happy with the way the preparations are going at this moment,” Lopez said on the sidelines of the camp. “I have great confidence in everyone, and although time is limited before the tournament, we will work with all our strength and try to have the best preparation,” he added. The Squad Goalkeepers: Saad Al Sheeb and Meshal Barsham (Al Sadd), and Salah Zakaria (Al Duhail) Defenders: Al Mahdi Ali and Lucas Mendes (Al Wakrah), Boualem Khokhi, Pedro Miguel, Tarek Salman (Al Sadd), Sultan Al Beraik (Al Duhail), Homam Al Amin (Al Gharafa), and Bassam Al Rawi (Al Rayyan). Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi, Jassim Gaber (Al Arabi), Abdelaziz Hatem (Al Rayyan), Hassan Al Haydos, Ali Asad, Mohammed Waad and Mustafa Meshal (Al Sadd), and Khaled Mohammed (Al Duhail). Forwards: Ahmed Al Janhi and Ahmed Alaa (Al Gharafa), Akram Afif and Yousif Abdurazaq (Al Sadd), Al Moez Ali and Ismail Mohammed (Al Duhail), and Khalid Muneer (Al Wakrah).  

Qatar Olympic Committee announces 2024 Sport Events Calendar

Doha- The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced its calendar of sport events for the year 2024. The calendar will see 85 events, including 15 major international Championships. Kicking off the year in spectacular fashion are the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024, taking place from February 2nd to 18th. This prestigious eventwill serve as a crucial qualifying stage for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Followed by The World Aquatics Masters Championship from February 23 to March 03, both to be held at Aspire Dome, Hamad Aquatic Center and the Old Doha Port. Also, in February, the Qatar Cricket Association will organize Legends League while the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation will host its two major annual tennis events including Qatar TotalEnergies Open from February 11 and Qatar ExxonMobil Open from February 24, while the Qatar Golf Association will host the 2024 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. The 2024 Sport events calendar will see two major international events in March, as the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation will organize Ooredoo Qatar Major 2024 (Padel) and the Qatar Volleyball Association will host the VW-Beach Pro Tour Elite16. In April, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation will organise the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup 2024 while the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association will host the ISSF Final Olympic Qualification Championship Shotgun.  The major sports events will continue with the FIBA 3x3 World Tour to be held by the Qatar Basketball Federation next June and the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton will host Qatar QTerminals Classic Squash Tournament at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in September 2024 while the Qatar Volleyball Association will host Volleyball World Beach Tour Finals in December.  This calendar also includes 37 international championships such as WTT Men’s Finals, WTT Star Contender, Qatar Fencing Grand Prix – Epee, HH Amir Sword International Show Jumping Championship, CHI Al Shaqab Presented By Longines, Doha Diamond League, Qatar International Taekwondo Open Championship, Qatar International Handball Championship, and Qatar International Weightlifting Cup.  On the Asian level, the calendar is packed with 13 events, including, AFC Asian Cup, FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers -Window 1 & 2, AFC U23 Asian Cup, Asian Junior Squash Open and Asian Padel Championships. On Arab level, the Qatar Swimming Association will organize the Arab Age Groups Aquatics Championships from January 10-15, 2024.  On GCC level, Doha will be the host city of four sports events, including the 26th GCC Golf Championships for adult & 15th GCC Golf Championships for youth, GCC U15 Basketball Championships, GCC Aquatics Championships and GCC Padel Championships.  In addition, the newly-released calendar includes a big number of local and community events such as: National Sport Day, Qatar Basketball Cup Final, Qatar Volleyball Cup final, HH the Amir Basketball Cup final, the Amir Football Cup final, Qatar Football Cup Final, closing ceremony of Olympic Schools Program, Qatar Handball Cup Final, HH the Amir Volleyball Cup final, HH the Amir Handball Cup, World Olympic Day, Sport Excellency Awards and Flag Relay.   For the Calendar click here

WTT Finals draw released

Doha: We are just two days out from WTT Finals Men Doha 2023 and the draw is now set for the season finale event. Standing at the top of the Men's Singles is World No.1 Fan Zhendong. Winner of the inaugural event back in 2021, Fan will be on a campaign to take back the trophy. With three WTT Series titles, including Singapore Smash, to his name this year, Fan will be confident he is up to the task. First up for the top seed will be Darko Jorgic. Fan goes in holding a 2:0 head-to-head record against the World No.14. The top half of the draw also sets up a potential semifinal collision between Fan and Ma Long. Ma is still searching for a WTT Men's Singles title and would be more than happy to get that monkey off his back in Doha. The first hurdle for the GOAT this week will be Jang Woojin. The World No.3 holds a clean sheet against Jang, but this will be their first match in five years. On the bottom half of the draw defending champion Wang Chuqin is poised for a maiden meeting with 2023 breakout star Felix Lebrun. Both players have recorded career milestones throughout the 2023 season, with Wang taking the World No.1 crown for the first time and Lebrun cracking the Top 10. It will be an unmissable match as the teenage debutant tries to add one last chapter to the 2023 fairytale against the defending champ. Another highlight match set to land in front of fans around the world is a meeting between two-time WTT Finals runner-up Tomokazu Harimoto and Dimitrij Ovtcharov. Harimoto narrowly leads their head-to-head 5:4, but has all the momentum, having won their last three encounters. Both are also still on the hunt for their first Men's Singles title for the season. Continental kings are gearing up to collide as Hugo Calderano is ready to take on Quadri Aruna in the opening round. The World No.5 from Brazil holds a 2:0 record against Aruna so will be favourite to keep his stellar WTT Series year rolling on. The duo should be well prepared to face each other having spent the afternoon out on Infinity ∞ Arena practicing together, so fans should be in for a treat when they take centre stage on the opening day of action. Meanwhile in the Men's Doubles draw, top seeds Fan Zhendong and Wang Chuqin will get their title chase underway against Ho Kwan Kit and Wong Chun Ting. It will be blockbuster action from the get-go in the innuagral event, as young stars will be out in force when the Lebrun brothers take on Quek Izaac and Pang Yew En Koen, while an explosive quarterfinal matchup is on the cards as Dimitirj Ovtcharov and Patrick Franziska face Lin Gaoyuan and Lin Shidong. WTT Finals Men Doha will take place at Lusail Sports Arena from 3-5 January. The climatic conclusion to WTT Series 2023 will offer a total prize pool of USD 340,000 as well as 1500 World Ranking points up top for the Men's Singles winner. Matches get underway Wednesday 3 January at 11:00 (GMT+3) with the round of 16 of the Men's Singles first up in Doha.