QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026 Gets Underway Saturday

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September 10, 2026
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10-September-2026

QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026 Gets Underway Saturday

Doha: The QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026 will get underway on Saturday at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, bringing together the world’s leading men’s and women’s players for one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. The event will run until September 18.

The Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation announced on Thursday that all preparations have been completed for the tournament, which features a total prize purse of USD 484,000 across the men’s and women’s competitions.

Saad Al Muhannadi, Executive Director of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, said the Organizing Committee had completed all logistical and venue preparations to ensure the tournament is delivered to the highest organizational standards.

He noted that the main glass court and the additional courts at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex have been prepared in line with the latest international standards, providing players with optimal competition conditions and spectators with an outstanding viewing experience.

“The Organizing Committee is currently facilitating the arrival of the world’s leading players through Hamad International Airport, while providing five-star accommodation and transportation to the training and competition courts,” Al Muhannadi said.

He added that preparations have also been made to accommodate the expected number of spectators, while the media centre at the complex is ready to provide local and international media with the facilities required to cover the tournament.

This year’s edition features a strong field of the world’s leading players, headed by men’s world No. 1 Mostafa Asal, New Zealand’s Paul Coll, the defending champion, and women’s world No. 1 and defending champion Hania El Hammamy.

The opening round will feature 32 matches across the men’s and women’s draws, played on the glass and side courts at the complex.

Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi faces a challenging opening-round encounter against Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, while fellow Qatari Salem Al Malki will take on France’s Melvil Scianimanico.

Since its launch in 2001, the Qatar Classic has developed a distinguished history, with champions from Egypt, Britain, France, Peru and New Zealand lifting the men’s trophy.

Egyptian players have won a total of 12 titles, led by Mohamed ElShorbagy, who has lifted the trophy four times. He won three titles representing Egypt in 2013, 2015 and 2017, before adding a fourth representing England in 2022. Ali Farag has won the tournament three times, in 2018, 2020 and 2023.

Karim Darwish won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2010, while Ramy Ashour and Amr Shabana were champions in April and October 2007 respectively. Karim Abdel Gawad added his name to the list of Egyptian champions in 2016.

British players have claimed five titles, with Peter Nicol winning the first two editions in 2001 and 2002, followed by Lee Beachill in 2003, James Willstrop in 2005 and Nick Matthew in 2009.

Peru’s Diego Elias won the title twice, in 2021 and 2024, while France’s Grégory Gaultier was crowned champion in 2011. New Zealand’s Paul Coll became the latest addition to the roll of honour with his victory in 2025.

The men’s tournament was not staged in 2004, 2012 or 2014, when Qatar hosted the World Championships in those years.

The women’s competition also began in 2001. It was not held in 2002 due to the staging of the Women’s World Championship, before returning from 2003 to 2011. Following a three-year absence, it was held again in 2015 before returning to the calendar in 2023 after a seven-year break.

Malaysia’s Nicol David holds the record with five women’s titles, winning in April and October 2007, as well as in 2008, 2010 and 2011. The Netherlands’ Vanessa Atkinson won twice, in 2004 and 2005, while Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy has also claimed two titles, in 2023 and 2025.

Australia’s Sarah Fitz-Gerald won the inaugural women’s title in 2001, followed by the USA’s Natalie Grainger in 2003. England’s Jenny Duncalf and Laura Massaro were champions in 2009 and 2015 respectively, while Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini lifted the trophy in 2024.