Elisa Mertens beats Simona Halep, wins Qatar Open Title

Doha, February 17, 2019 – Belgium's Elise Mertens has claimed the biggest title of her career by beating top seed Simona Halep to win the Qatar Open.Mertens, 23, recovered from a set and a break down - losing 18 points in a row at one stage in the second set - to beat the world number three 3-6 6-4 6-3.HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee attended the final match.Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development handed over the trophy to Elise Mertens.World number 21 Mertens also overcame a lengthy medical time-out for a back issue in the first set."Simona is a great player and it's nice to get the trophy," the Belgian said.Halep, 27, who last won the Qatar title in 2014, said: "Honestly, I wanted to lift this beautiful trophy but Elise deserved it very much."Mertens' triumph over the Romanian was her third win over a top 10 player in Doha.She had already beaten Angelique Kerber and Kiki Bertens, a year after she was knocked out of the tournament in the first round.Halep outclassed her opponent in the opening set, but Mertens powered back into the match to force a decider.The players traded breaks in the third set, but Mertens broke in the fifth game of the final set to make it 3-2 - the 12th break of serve in 24 games in the match.Halep tried to rally, but at 5-3 and appearing to be hampered by an injury, she lost her serve, handing Mertens a famous victory.

Mikkel Mathiesen claims title of Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship

DOHA, February 17, 2019-Denmark's Mikkel Mathiesen claimed the title of Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship concluded in Doha on Saturday. William Smith of Britain finished second ahead of Sergio Al Kordi of Jordan in the third place. On the other hand, Adrian Meronk, Niclas Johansson and Mike Troop qualified for the 2019 Edition of Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Qatar's Saleh Al Kaabi finished sixth in the amateur section and qualified along with Ali Al Sharshani and Jaham Al Kuwari for the Qatar Masters. More than 100 players from 33 countries took part in the 33rd edition of the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship 2019.

Qatari golfers shine in Open Amateur Golf Championship

DOHA, February 16, 2019 – Three Qatari golfers confidently reached the final round of the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship 2019, following their impressive performance in the first round competitions held at Doha Golf Club on Friday.Qatar team golfers Saleh Al Kaabi, Jaham Al-Kawari and Arnaf Jane have successfully qualified to the final round after victorious run in the first round.Qatar's Jaham Al -Kawari collected (150 points), Saleh Al Kaabi got (150 points) and their teammate Aranaf Jane seized (163 points). More than 100 players from 33 countries are taking part in the 33rd edition of the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship 2019.

Halep to take on Mertens in Qatar Total Open final

Doha, February 16, 2018-Romania's Simona Halep will take on Belgium's Elise Mertens in the final match of Qatar Total Open on Saturday.Mertens reached the final match after beating Germany's Angelique Kerber, with President of the Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani attending.In the second semifinals match, Mertens defeated Kerber 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 to set up a final with Simona Halep who edged past Elina Svitolina in the first semifinals match.It is the first final for Mertens in Qatar on only her second try. She defeated another top 10 seed before Kerber when she defeated Kiki Bertens earlier this week.The Belgian won four WTA titles in her career to date. She will play her sixth final since her career first started in 2013. Kerber meanwhile failed to reach her second Qatar Total Open final. She reached the first one back in 2014, when she lost to current finalist Halep 2-6 and 3-6.

Qatar's Volleyball Beach Team Maintains 9th Place in FIVB World Ranking

​Doha, February 15, 2019 - Qatar's volleyball beach team consisting of duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmad Tijan maintained the ninth place in FIVB World ranking, according to the monthly ranking issued today by the International Volleyball Federation.The Qatari team is preparing to participate in Qatar Volleyball Open League which is organized by Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) in the cultural district of Katara from March 12 to 16.Qatar finished ninth with 4440 points after participating in 18 international and continental competitions. Qatar team is ranked first in the Asian and Arab level, while Norway's duo topped the FIVB World ranking with 5690 points.

Niclas Johansson and Pavan Sagoo lead Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship

DOHA, February 14, 2019-The 33rd edition of the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship began at the Doha Golf Club on Thursday.Niclas Johansson and Pavan Sagoo of England led the standings with 67 points.More than 100 players from 33 countries are taking part in the event.The three-day Individual Strokeplay tournament has added importance as its winner, top three Qatari players and top three professionals will get to match their skills with some of the best players on the European Tour's Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, to be held from March 7. The local spotlight will be on 2017 runner-up Saleh al-Kaabi, Ali al-Shahrani and Jaham al-Kuwari.