Algerian President visits Al Shaqab

DOHA-His Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Algeria visited Al Shaqab world-class equestrian facilities today, as part of his current visit in the country. H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab, welcomed H.E. the President. During a tour conducted by Al Shaqab’s Protocol & International Relations Department, President Tebboune visited the world leading facilities, enjoyed a show of Al Shaqab’s magnificent Arabian horses, and experienced the breathtaking beauty of Qatar’s premier equestrian destination.

Bautista Agut wins Qatar ExxonMobil Open

Doha: Qatar: Roberto Bautista Agut capped a dominant display in Doha by downing Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, 6-4 in the 2022 Qatar ExxonMobil Open final on Saturday to win his first ATP Tour title since 2019. Beaten in the final of the Qatar tournament last year by Basilashvili, the Spaniard took his revenge by beating the Georgian in straight sets to bag his second title in Doha and his tenth career title, while a cheque of $114,875.  Bautista Agut last ATP Tour title also came in Doha when he beat Tomas Berdych in the 2019 final. Runner-up Basilashvili took home $80,410. A pumped-up Bautista Agut played consistently and aggressively from the baseline to regain the trophy in the title match which lasted for 86 minutes. The Spaniard fired his ground strokes through the court and rallied from a break down in the first and second sets to seal his victory.  The second seed started on the wrong foot, being broken at 1-1, but he managed to come back at 3-3, then took the opposing service to pocket the first set at 6- 3. Identical scenario in the second set, where Basilashvili led 3-0, then Bautista Agut came back to 3-3, before making the decisive break at 4-4 and concluding on his second match point.  “I am very happy,” Bautista Agut said. “It has been a while since I lifted a trophy. I have been working very hard to reach another final and to get the chance to win another title. It was a big dream for me to win a title and I have now won twice in Doha. It is very special for me and I am very happy.” The World No. 16, who dropped just one set en route to the title, has now won 10 tour-level crowns, holding a 10-9 record in championship matches. Doha is the second ATP Tour tournament where the 33-year-old holds multiple titles, after lifting the trophy in Auckland in 2016 and 2018. “It was a really tough final,” Bautista Agut added. “This year we played without wind, which was much better for me. It was not easy to recover after a really tough battle yesterday, but I think I did a good job today. It is my 10th ATP Tour title and I am very happy.” The 2021 Doha champion Basilashvili was aiming to win his sixth tour-level title. This week, the third seed defeated Mikael Ymer, Marton Fucsovics and Arthur Rinderknech as he regained his top form to reach the final. "I am super happy with how I played in this tournament," Basilashvili said during the trophy ceremony. "I love coming back here. I would like to congratulate Roberto for a great tournament. I would like to thank the crowd. I am super proud to play in front of you." Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, President of Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation and Dominic Genetti, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar presented the trophies and cash awards to the winner and runner-up at a glittering post-match ceremony.  

HH the Amir Attends final of Qatar ExxonMobil Open

Doha- (QNA) - HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended Saturday the final of Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2022, which was held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. HH the Amir watched the final match between Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia and Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, which ended with a 6-3, 6-4 win for Bautista Agut. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs and ministers, and tennis fans attended the final match. (QNA)  

Sheikh Joaan attends Qatar ExxonMobil Open final match

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the final match of Qatar ExxonMobil Open which was held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Saturday.  Roberto Bautista claimed the title after beating Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 6-4 in the final match. The Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton President H.E. Nasser bin Ghanim Al-Khelaifi presented the trophies to the winners. The Qatar ExxonMobil Open is one of the best ATP Tour events held in the Middle East and has been selected by players as the ATP 250 Tournament of the Year on four occasions (2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).   In addition, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, HH Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser Al Thani also attended the final alongside a number of VIP guests  

Bright start for Al Qadi in Big Tour event of Amir’s Sword competition

Doha: Defending champion Hamad Nasser Al Qadi won the Big Tour event in the opening round of the Amir's Sword competition on Friday. Hamad Nasser Al Qadi began his Amir’s Sword title defence with a win, taking home the Big Tour’s opening round at the Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation’s Outdoor Arena on Friday. Astride Andreas SPB Z, he finished the tricky circuit in 74.05sec. Nasser Al Ghazali, riding Quel Homme, was more that six seconds behind (80.76) in second place. Rashid Towaim Al Marri, on Navaronne, was the day’s fastest (72.33), but four faults relegation him to third sport. Al Qadi, who took home a QAR12,600 purse, was happy but focused. “ it’s a good start, but I’m not there yet. There’re still two rounds to go on Saturday. Today’s course was technical and my sole aim was to go clear. Tomorrow, I’ll try for the same, only a bit faster. If I can repeat my show,  then I will be well. I’m motivated to make it two titles in a row,” he said. Al Ghazali suffered some problems towards the end, but was still pleased with his podium finish. “ I’m very satisfied. I rode well up until the last line, when my horse got a bit confused and felt a little lost. This is the first day and there’re some little things I need to work on. While I’m happy today, I’ll have to forget all about it tomorrow. It’s a new days and a new page in the book,” he said. Faris Saad Al Qahtani, astride Hidiene, cornered the Medium Tour Title on the opening day. He completed the course in a flawless 70.21sec performance, finishing almost 3.5sec faster than Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani (Serendipity, 73.67).  Mohammed Abdulla Juma, who rode Lucratief, finished in 78.10 to complete the podium. Al Qahtani was a happy man. “ the course was very technical and hard, so I just wanted to post a good time.  I was very confident from the start. While man riders dropped their barriers, I was able to navigate the course smoothly. In the end, I finished on top. Thought things will be more challenging on Saturday, I’m very focused on the prize, “  he said. Abdulrahman Eisa Al Bukhari emerged triumphant  in the  Small Tour event. Riding Irschi, he completed the course in61.17sec. Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari, who is also an established dressage rider, finished second (Equinoxe De L’aulne,61.79) while third spot went to Mohammed Jamal Al Derbesti ( number Uno T, 62.40).  

Repeat show as Basilashvili, Bautista Agut to clash in Qatar final for second consecutive year

Doha: Defending champion Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia will take on Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in Saturday’s final of the 2022 Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. It’s a repeat of last year’s final where the two had met in the title clash with Basilashvili emerging on the top over the World No.16. In the first semi final of on Friday, the Georgian took one hour and fourteen minutes to register 6-4, 6-2 win over the Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech “I think I played a very good match today. Mentally, physically, everything was there. I was using my serve really good. I was returning really well. I found really good spots where to return, because I had experience of playing with him last year in Halle. So I know exactly where he's serving,” Basilashvili said in his post-match interview. “I was very good. I was playing really well from the baseline, keeping my position really well, and generally I think it was a very good performance from me,” he added. The Frenchman, ranked 61 on the ATP computer had created a buzz around him with his display on the Tour this season with three semi-finals this season. Rinderknech maintained the same form in Doha to pull off a stunning upset in Doha, knocking out World No.12 Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals. But in the last-four clash against Basilashvili he could not continue his giant-killing act at the ATP 250 tournament. The Frenchman had the first break point in the first set, but he could not sustain the momentum and the pressure quickly swung on his side. Broken at 2-2 in the first set, Rinderknech could not catch up, despite a break ball as Basilashvili pocketed the first set at 6-4. In the second set Basilashvili got off to a flying start with a double break at the start of the second set to take a 4-0 and then on held on his serve to pocket the second set at 6-2 and reach the final for a second consecutive year. World No. 22 Basilashvili will face 2019 winner Bautista Agut who came from a set down to script a fighting 2-6, 6-3, 7- 5 over Karen Khachanov. The 33-year-old Spaniard produced a highly-intense and aggressive performance, overcoming the Russian in two hours and 26 minutes to reach the final in Doha for the second consecutive year. The second seed found his range as the match went on with the key turning point coming in the third game of the second set, when Bautista Agut fended off seven break points in a mammoth game. From there, the World No. 16 put his foot down and raised his level deep in the third set, breaking at 5-5 with a powerful smash, before holding to seal his win.