The Aspire Academy in Doha is hosting a football festival by welcoming FC Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, and Brugge FC for their winter training camps. Bayern Munich is the most popular among fans, with players like Manuel Neuer and Arjen Robben drawing large crowds. The club is using the camp to prepare for the second half of the season and close the gap with Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund. Brugge FC and PSV Eindhoven are also in Qatar for their training camps, with Brugge on their first winter trip to the country. More European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and four Russian clubs, are expected to arrive for training sessions at Aspire Academy.

Qatari squash player Abdullah Al Tamimi achieved consecutive victories at the PSA World Championship, held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. He won against French players Mathieu Castagnet and Gregoire Marche, ranking him into the top 16. Al Tamimi's strategy involved playing a less aggressive game to conserve energy and force errors from his opponent. His next match is against Tarek Momen. Other notable matches included Diego Elias against Greg Lobban, and Joel Makin versus Mohamed ElSherbini. Qatari Syed Azlan Amjad is also set to play in the second round.

Qatari athlete Abderrahman Samba made history by becoming the second man to ever run the 400m hurdles in under 47 seconds at the Diamond League meet in Paris, clocking 46.98 seconds. This victory marks his fourth win in the seventh race of the Diamond League season, setting new Asian, world, Diamond League, and meet records. Samba's performance surpassed Rai Benjamin's previous world lead and is now second only to Kevin Young's world record. Despite a mistake at the start, Samba expressed his ambition to become the fastest man in the world. In other events, Kevin Mayer won the triathlon with personal bests, and Shericka Jackson nearly set a world best in the women's 200m.

Eddie Pepperell of England won his first European Tour victory at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters held at Doha Golf Club, defeating Oliver Fisher by one stroke. Pepperell's final round of 70 led him to finish 18 under par, with Fisher close behind at 17 under. The victory marked a significant turnaround for Pepperell, who had previously lost his Tour card and had to return to Q-School in 2016. The win also propelled him from 188th to 13th in the season-long rankings. Marcus Kinhult of Sweden finished third, while the Spanish duo Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño and Pablo Larrazábal, Frenchman Grégory Havret, and Italian Renato Paratore tied for fourth. The article also mentions other players' performances, including Josh White of the MENA Golf Tour and past champions like Paul Lawrie.

Qatari squash player Abdulla Al Tamimi achieved a significant victory at the PSA Men's World Championship by defeating World No.14 Gregoire Marche of France. The match, which took place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, saw Tamimi win in four games, securing his place in the last 32. Despite a dip in concentration during the third game, Tamimi managed to regain control and win the match with the support of his local fans. Other players, including Mohammed Al Shorbagy, Paul Coll, and Youssef Ibrahim, also progressed to the second round, with some overcoming injuries and upsets. The article details the outcomes of various matches and highlights the performances of several players during the championship's opening day.

Valero Rivera, the coach of Qatar's national handball team, expressed confidence in his team's ability to win the Asian handball Championship, which they did by defeating South Korea 33-21. The victory marked Qatar's fourth consecutive regional title, solidifying their dominance in Asian handball since 2014. The team received a warm welcome upon their return to Doha at Hamad International Airport, with sports officials in attendance. The win also qualifies Qatar for the 2021 World Men's Handball Championship in Egypt, along with the other semi-finalists from the Kuwait championship.

Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben, during a press conference in Doha, expressed uncertainty about his future club as his contract with Bayern Munich is set to expire at the end of the season. While he did not confirm any move to Inter Milan, he acknowledged the interest from various clubs. Robben's father, who is also his agent, has been busy with transfer discussions. Robben emphasized his current focus on returning to the Bayern team and discussed the team's prospects in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, where they face Liverpool. He also praised Dutch and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk for his career progress and his role as captain of the Netherlands national team.

Nasser Al Ghazali rode What A Pleasure to victory in the Medium Tour at the sixth round of the Hathab Series, held at the Al Shaqab Arena in Doha. The event, which took place over two days, saw What A Pleasure secure the top spot with a time of 70.15, narrowly defeating Carmen, which finished in second place with a time of 68.89. The winner received a prize of QR 5,000, while the runner-up was awarded QR 3,000. Mohammed Saeed Haidan's mount, Miss Chili, came in third, earning QR 2,000. In the Small Tour, Ali Mohammed AL Marri and Fernhill Friendly Touch won, receiving QR 2,500. Hamad Nasser Al Qadi on Hugo Z and Mohammed Saeed Haidan on Ziezo finished second and third, respectively. The Big Tour competition is set to take place today with participants competing for top prizes.

Spain's Jorge Campillo won the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Education City Golf Club, defeating David Drysdale in a play-off to secure his second European Tour title. Despite leading by two shots with two holes remaining, Campillo hit a double bogey on the 17th, leading to a play-off which he won on the fifth extra hole. Scottish player Drysdale has yet to win in 498 European Tour events, finishing runner-up four times. Other players like Jeff Winther, Niklas Lemke, and Kalle Samooja were close contenders. Campillo expressed pride in his play-off performance, highlighting the difficulty of the win. The article also mentions performances by other golfers such as Alexander Björk, Marcus Kinhult, Nino Bertasio, George Coetzee, Pablo Larrazábal, and Chris Paisley.

Fatima Galvez Marin of Spain secured her second gold medal at the Qatar Open Shotgun Championship, partnering with Alessandro De Souza Ferreira to win the mixed team trap event. They defeated the British duo of Matthew Coward-Holley and Kirsty Hegarty. Marin had previously won the women’s individual event, beating Alessandra Perilli and Giulia Grassia. The British shooter Coward-Holley also earned a podium spot for the second consecutive day after claiming silver in the men’s individual trap. The Italian team of Emanuele Buccolieri and Erica Sessa took third place. The event featured 220 shooters from 34 countries and served as preparation for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games.

English golfers Oliver Fisher and Eddie Pepperell are leading the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters after the third round. Fisher finished with a 65, and Pepperell with a 66, putting them both at 16 under par, two shots ahead of American Sean Crocker. Italian players Lorenzo Gagli and Andrea Pavan, Frenchman Grégory Havret, England's David Horsey, and Swede Marcus Kinhult trail by four shots. Fisher is aiming for his first European Tour win since 2011, while Pepperell is seeking his first title after a series of top finishes in 2017. Other notable players include Spanish golfers Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño and Pablo Larrazábal, and MENA Golf Tour professional Josh White of England, who is at seven under par. The final round is set to start early in the morning at the Doha Golf Club.

Qatar's national beach handball team started strong in the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games, winning their first two matches against Croatia and Hungary. The games are being held at Al Gharafa Club in Doha. Sid Kenaoui, a player from the Qatari team, expressed his satisfaction with the performance, highlighting his trick shots. Other teams in the competition include Spain and Tunisia in Group B, while Brazil, Sweden, Denmark, USA, and Australia are in Group A. The women's handball competition saw Greece and Spain leading Group B, with Brazil and Hungary topping Group A. The event also features other sports such as 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, karate kata, beach wrestling, open water swimming, and aquathlon. The beach soccer competitions also commenced with Spain, Italy, Ukraine, Brazil, Great Britain, and Russia securing wins in their respective categories.

The article discusses the rise of E-sports during the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting how it has become a popular form of entertainment during the lockdown. In Qatar, professional football player and Paris Saint-Germain Esports athlete, Ahmed Al Meghessib, hosted the Paris Saint-Germain E-Challenge, a three-day E-Football tournament. The event featured 16 local influencers and athletes, including Basam Hisham, Mohammed Adnan, and Adullah Al Tamimi, who competed in an online tournament with the final challenge against Al Meghessib. The games were broadcast on Al Meghessib's Twitch Channel. Fabien Dilem, General Manager of the Regional Paris Saint-Germain Office in Doha, spoke about the club's engagement with the local community through E-sports and praised Al Meghessib's role as an ambassador for the club.

The article discusses the arrival of the first container train from China to Azerbaijan via the Middle Corridor expected in 2024. This development is significant for international trade and transportation, as it represents a new route for goods traveling between Asia and Europe. The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, offers an alternative to the traditional Silk Road and is expected to reduce transit times and costs. The article covers the implications of this new route for regional connectivity and economic growth, as well as the potential challenges and competitive aspects in comparison to other trade routes.

Egyptian Mohamed El Shorbagy continues his quest to retain the Qatar Classic title, defeating England's Adrian Waller in straight games. He will face Peru's Diego Elias in the quarter-finals. Other quarter-finalists include Germany's Simon Rösner, who will play against New Zealand's Paul Coll, and three other Egyptians: Tarek Momen, Ali Farag, and Karim Abdel Gawad. Joel Makin from Wales also made it to the last eight. Elias advanced with a win over Egypt's Mazen Hesham, while Rösner overcame England's Tom Richards. Coll progressed after Borja Golan's withdrawal due to injury. Momen and Gawad won their respective matches, with Gawad's being a close five-setter against England's Declan James, and Farag defeated India's Saurav Ghosal in straight games.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) is set to announce the Best Player Award, with Al Duhail strikers Nam Tae-hee and Youssef Msakni, and Al Sadd captain Xavi Hernandez as the main contenders. The QFA Awards Committee selected the final nominations at Al Bidda Tower. Tae-hee, last year's winner, faces competition from teammate Msakni and former Barcelona player Xavi. The awards, including Best Under-23 Player, Best Coach, and Best Referee, will be presented at a ceremony on May 17 at the Qatar National Convention Center. Youssef El Arabi will receive the Mansoor Muftah Award for being the top scorer. Coaches Djamel Belmadi, Jesulado Ferreira, and Michael Laudrup are nominated for the best coach award, while Bassam Al Rawi, Almoez Ali, and Salem Al Hajri are up for the Best Under-23 Player Award.

Jassim Al Emadi triumphed in the Red Bull Qaher El T3ous buggy race at the Qatar Racing Club track in Sealine, overcoming Milos Pavlovic and other competitors. The event, in its third edition, attracted around 1,000 spectators who enjoyed the thrilling desert-racing action. The race featured a unique off-road track with a new joker-lap element, adding a strategic twist to the competition. Red Bull Qaher El T3ous has been a platform for amateur racers since 2011, and the event was organized in partnership with several brands and organizations, including Vodafone Qatar and CAN-AM.

Roberto Bautista Agut achieved a stunning victory against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open semi-final, coming back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-4. Bautista Agut, the seventh seed, will face wild card Tomas Berdych in the final. Berdych, ranked 71st, defeated Marco Cecchinato in the semi-finals. The match showcased high-quality tennis, with Bautista Agut making a significant comeback in the second set and maintaining his lead in the decider to secure his second win against Djokovic in their eight encounters.

Jeunghun Wang, the young Korean golfer, is set to defend his title at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. He faces stiff competition from notable golfers including Chris Wood, Shubhankar Sharma, Andy Sullivan, and Thorbjorn Olesen. Wang, who won the tournament last season, has had a mixed performance since then but remains confident. The article also mentions other prominent players such as Darren Clarke, Paul Lawrie, Thomas Bjorn, Robert Karlsson, and Julian Suri, highlighting their past achievements and current form. Chris Wood discusses his recent form and coaching changes, expressing optimism for the upcoming tournament.

Ali Farag of Egypt won the Qatar Classic championship in Doha, defeating Germany's Simon Rosner in straight games. This victory marks Farag's second PSA World Tour Platinum title and his first in Qatar. The match took place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, with Farag overcoming an early lead by Rosner to win 11-9, 11-7, 11-5 in 46 minutes. Farag expressed his excitement and satisfaction with his performance throughout the tournament, while Rosner acknowledged Farag's superiority in the match and remained optimistic about his future prospects.

Qatari skeet shooter Nasser Al Attiyah is in contention for an Olympic spot after shooting two perfect rounds at the 14th Asian Shooting Championship. He finished joint second behind Kuwait's Abdullah Alrashidi. India's Angad Bajwa Vir Singh is also tied for second place. Qatar's Masoud Hamad is in joint third, while Rashid Hamad is further behind. In the women's section, Qatar's Reem Al Sharshani is tied for eighth place, while India's Tejaswini Sawant secured an Olympic quota in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions event. The championship serves as the last chance for Asian shooters to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

Saudi Arabia achieved a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, with goals from Abdullah Al Hamdan and Mohammed Al Khabrani. The win came after Saudi Arabia's initial loss to Kuwait but now keeps their semi-final hopes alive. Oman leads the group, followed by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait with equal points, and Bahrain at the bottom. Saudi Arabia's performance improved with the return of Al Hilal players, and they showed dominance with 64 percent ball possession. Despite Bahrain's efforts, Saudi Arabia's defense remained solid. The next matches will see Saudi Arabia against Oman and Kuwait against Bahrain on December 2.

Saudi Arabia defeated Bahrain 2-0 in the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. Abdullah Al Hamdan scored in the 29th minute, and Mohammed Al Khabrani added another goal in the 58th minute at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. Saudi Arabia recovered from an initial loss to Kuwait, now having three points from two matches, while Bahrain has one point. Oman leads the group with four points. Saudi Arabia's next match is against Oman, and Kuwait will face Bahrain on December 2. Saudi Arabia's performance improved with the return of Al Hilal players who had won the AFC Champions League.

Mauricio Pereira, a Goan in Qatar, was challenged by his Egyptian boss to learn Arabic within three months to secure a supervisor position. Despite having no formal education in Arabic, Mauricio successfully mastered the language through interactions with native speakers. He now works as a senior administrator and liaison officer, dealing with various government ministries in Qatar. Mauricio, who first arrived in Qatar in 1969, also has a deep passion for Konkani stage performances, known as Tiatr. He has written and staged plays in Qatar and has been instrumental in bringing top directors from Goa to perform there. Despite setbacks like the Gulf blockade, COVID-19, and the FIFA World Cup, which led to the demolition of old halls, Mauricio remains hopeful for the future of Tiatr in Qatar. His language skills have also been beneficial in assisting the Goan community with communication issues.

Qatar's national handball team started strong in the men's section of the ANOC World Beach Games, winning their first two Group B matches against Croatia and Hungary. Sid Kenaoui, a player from Qatar, expressed satisfaction with his performance. Spain and Tunisia are also in Group B, while Brazil, Sweden, and Denmark lead Group A. In women's handball, Greece and Spain are at the top of Group B, with Brazil and Hungary leading Group A. Qatar is participating in seven sports, including beach volleyball and karate kata. The Beach Soccer venue at Al Katara Beach saw impressive wins from Spain, Italy, Ukraine, and in the women's section, Brazil, Spain, Great Britain, and Russia. Brazil's women's beach soccer team and Russia's Liubov Komarova expressed confidence after their initial wins. The article also mentions the continuation of the Beach Soccer competitions and the start of other beach sports.

Karim Boudiaf's return to Al Duhail is a significant boost for the team as they prepare for their AFC Champions League quarter-final match against Iran's Persepolis on September 17. Boudiaf, who was injured during the Sheikh Jassim Cup and underwent knee surgery, showed promising form in a recent international friendly playing for Qatar against Palestine. Al Duhail won the first leg against Persepolis and needs only a draw in the upcoming away game to advance. The team has faced several injuries, with key players like Youssef Msakni and Ismail Mohamed sidelined, making Boudiaf's comeback particularly important.

Mario Mandzukic made a successful debut in the AFC Champions League, scoring a goal in Al Duhail's 2-0 victory over Iran's Persepolis. The match took place at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, with Al Duhail securing their win with two early goals. In another match, Al Sadd and Al Nassr ended in a 2-2 draw in Riyadh. Both games were part of the opening matches for their respective groups in the AFC Champions League. Al Duhail now leads Group C, while the match between Al Sadd and Al Nassr was notable for being a repeat of the previous edition's quarter-finals.

Mario Mandzukic's debut in the AFC Champions League was marked by a victory as Al Duhail defeated Iran's Persepolis 2-0. Mandzukic scored the opening goal, followed by Edmilson Jr. In another match, Al Sadd and Al Nassr ended in a 2-2 draw. Al Duhail's win places them at the top of Group C, while Al Sadd's draw with Al Nassr was a repeat of the previous edition's quarter-finals. The matches featured goals from both teams early in the game, with Al Duhail securing their win in the first 13 minutes and Al Sadd and Al Nassr exchanging goals in both halves.

Al Arabi is set to face Umm Salal in Round 14 of the QNB Stars League at Al Arabi Stadium, aiming to return to the top four after recent defeats. Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is focused on securing three points and instilling a winning mentality in the team, despite challenges and the pressure of past performances. Umm Salal, threatened by relegation, is coming off a victory against Al Khor and looking to continue their winning streak. Umm Salal coach Aziz Ben Askar emphasizes the importance of focus and professional play to maintain their position in the first division. The match is significant for both teams, with Al Arabi seeking to improve their standing and Umm Salal fighting to avoid relegation.

Al Duhail has clinched the QNB Stars League title, leaving Al Gharafa and Umm Salal to compete for the fourth spot, which guarantees a place in the Qatar Cup. Al Duhail leads with 54 points, followed by Al Sadd with 46 and Al Rayyan with 39. Al Gharafa, with 32 points, and Umm Salal, with 31 points, are closely contending for the fourth position. Both teams won their Week 20 matches, intensifying the race. Umm Salal's upcoming match against Al Rayyan is crucial for their chance to overtake Al Gharafa. Al Rayyan's coach, Michael Laudrup, acknowledges Umm Salal as tough opponents, while Umm Salal's coach, Talal El Karkouri, emphasizes the need to win their remaining games to secure a top-four finish.

In the Amir Cup Round of 16, Al Rayyan secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Mesaimeer, with Yohan Boli scoring twice, and Khaled Muftah and Rodrigo Tabata each adding a goal. Al Rayyan controlled the game from the start, with Mesaimeer relying on counterattacks. Despite some strong saves from Mesaimeer's goalkeeper Hassan Ahan Afsordeh, Al Rayyan's offense proved too much. In another match, Al Sailiya defeated Umm Salal 2-1 to advance to the quarter-finals. Mubarak Boussoufa and Maher Youssef scored for Al Sailiya, while Nasser Al Nasr scored for Umm Salal. Boussoufa was named Man-of-the-Match.

Al Rayyan is set to face the QNB Stars League leaders Al Duhail in a crucial match, following their exit from the AFC Champions League play-offs. Al Duhail leads the league with 33 points, while Al Rayyan is six points behind. Al Sadd is also in contention, closely trailing the top two. Al Rayyan's coach, Diego Aguirre, acknowledges the team's recent struggles but remains optimistic about their ability to compete for the title. Al Duhail's new coach, Walid Regragui, is confident in his team's preparations and is focused on maintaining their lead in the league. Both teams are gearing up for a challenging match, with Al Rayyan aiming to bounce back from their recent defeat and Al Duhail striving to solidify their top position.

Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez is preparing his team for the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against CF Monterrey. Al Sadd advanced after defeating Hienghene Sport 3-1 in extra time. Xavi, a former Barcelona player and now coach, acknowledges Monterrey as favorites, which he believes reduces pressure on his team. Al Sadd showed dominance in their opening match but struggled to score. Xavi has confidence in his players and has already been analyzing Liverpool, anticipating a semi-final match. Monterrey's coach, Antonio Mohamed, is also looking forward to the challenge and the possibility of facing Liverpool, but emphasizes the need to win against Al Sadd first.

The article by Armstrong Vas discusses the draw for the Amir Cup quarter-finals, revealing that former champions Al Rayyan will face second division team Al Markhiya. A potential semi-final between defending champions Al Duhail and Al Sadd is also possible. Al Rayyan, coached by Diego Aguirre, is looking to overcome their AFC Champions League disappointment. Al Markhiya made it to the last eight by defeating Al Gharafa, while Al Rayyan beat Mesaimeer 4-0. Al Arabi SC will face Al Ahli after a comeback win against Al Khor, and Al Sadd will play Al Wakrah. Al Duhail is set to play Al Sailiyah, with the winners of these matches meeting in the semi-finals. The final of the Amir Cup is scheduled for May 15.

Qatari skeet shooters, including Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, are starting their quest for Olympic quotas at the 14th Asian Shooting Championships in Doha. Nasser, a bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics and a three-time Dakar rally winner, is aiming for his seventh Olympic appearance. The event is crucial as it is the last chance for Asian shooters to secure Olympic spots for the Tokyo Games. Qatar has already earned one quota in trap with Mohammed Ahmed Al Rumaihi. In the women's skeet, Reem Al Sharshani is also hoping to qualify for the Olympics. India has secured their second quota at the championship with Chinki Yadav's performance in the women's 25m Pistol event.

At the Qatar Open Shotgun Championship held at the Losail Shooting Range, Italian Olympic champions Chiara Cainero and Diana Bacosi secured first and third place respectively, continuing Italy's dominance in the event. France's Lucie Anastassiou interrupted the potential Italian 1-2 finish by taking the silver medal. The event also saw a strong performance from the Italian men's team, who achieved a clean sweep in the Double Trap. The championship concluded with Cainero overcoming challenges, including windy conditions, to win the $7,000 cash prize. The facilities at Losail were praised by the athletes, with Cainero highlighting the range's quality and expressing enjoyment in competing in Qatar.

Qatari squash player Abdulla Al Tamimi achieved a significant victory at the PSA Men’s World Championship by defeating World No.14 Gregoire Marche of France. The match, which took place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, saw Tamimi win in four games, securing his place in the last 32. Despite a dip in concentration during the third game, Tamimi managed to regain control and win the match with the support of his friends and family. Other players, including Mohammed Al Shorbagy, also advanced to the second round, while wildcard Syed Azlan Amjad progressed after his opponent, Spain's Iker Pajares Bernabeu, forfeited due to an injury. New Zealand’s Paul Coll and Egypt’s Youssef Ibrahim also moved on to the next round with their respective wins.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed his confidence in Qatar's ability to host an 'amazing' World Cup in 2022 despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Infantino praised the global football community's unity and social responsibility during the crisis. Sheikh Hamad reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to hosting the event and contributing to the fight against the virus. The QFA has taken steps to support public health efforts and postponed local competitions. Infantino also mentioned FIFA's plans to assess the economic impact on football stakeholders and the possibility of establishing a global support fund.

Carla Suárez Navarro, the former World No.6 tennis player from Spain, reflects on her career as she bids farewell to the sport at the Qatar Total Open. Suárez Navarro, who won the Doha title in 2016, lost in the second round to Petra Kvitova. She reminisces about her journey in tennis, her decision to retire for personal reasons, and her desire to spend more time with her family. Despite the physical toll and the challenges of maintaining a high ranking, Suárez Navarro is proud of her career, especially her signature one-handed backhand. She has no set plans after retirement but hopes to be remembered as a respectful and fighting player.

Eddie Pepperell shot a seven-under 65 to lead the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters alongside Gregory Havret and Aaron Rai after the first round. Edoardo Molinari is one shot behind, with last year's winner Jeunghun Wang starting his defence with a 68. Pepperell, who has been working with a new coach, expressed optimism for the season ahead. Molinari's round included a chip-in birdie, and he emphasized his focus on starting well. Paul Lawrie and promising Indian Shubhankar Sharma also had notable starts, while SSP Chawrasia struggled. Local players from the MENA Golf Tour and Qatari amateurs had varying results. The tournament continues with free entry and family-friendly activities.

Unseeded Chinese player Saisai Zheng defeated seventh seed Kiki Bertens to reach the quarter-finals of the Qatar Total Open. The match, which took place at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex, was played in windy conditions and saw Zheng come back from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Other players who made it to the quarter-finals include Ashleigh Barty, Petra Kvitová, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Aryna Sabalenka, Belinda Bencic, and Ons Jabeur. Barty and Kuznetsova advanced after their opponents withdrew due to sickness. Kvitová and Jabeur both won their matches in three sets, with Jabeur achieving a significant victory over Karolina Pliskova.

Petra Kvitova triumphed over Ashleigh Barty in the semi-finals of the Qatar Total Open, ending her four-match losing streak against the world number one. Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, advanced to her 37th WTA final and will face Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. Despite losing the second set, Kvitova managed to win the match 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. She expressed her love for playing in Qatar and her satisfaction with her performance. Aryna Sabalenka also advanced to the final after defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets. Both finalists are looking forward to the challenge of the upcoming final match.

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus won her first title at the WTA Qatar Total Open, defeating former champion Petra Kvitova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. The match took place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. Sabalenka, ranked World No.13, showcased a powerful performance with seven aces and 21 winners, overcoming Kvitova's 10-match winning streak in Doha. The victory will boost Sabalenka's ranking to World No.11 and extends her winning streak at Premier 5 level to 11 matches. Kvitova acknowledged that Sabalenka's serve was the key difference in the match. Despite Kvitova's efforts, including a medical timeout and fighting off match points, Sabalenka secured the win with a backhand pass that forced Kvitova to volley wide.

Qatar faced a defeat against Austria with a score of 20-17 in the 24th ISF World Schools Handball Championships at Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium. This was Qatar's second consecutive loss in Group A, having previously lost to Poland and won against Morocco. Denmark recovered from their initial loss to Austria by winning against Morocco. The tournament features various groups with teams from around the world and is organized by the Qatar School Sports Association and the Qatar Handball Federation. Matches are being held at multiple venues in Qatar and are live-streamed on the ISF handball Facebook page, with the semi-finals and finals to be streamed on the Olympic Channel's website.

Al Sadd's assistant coach David Prats discussed the team's strategy of taking a match-by-match approach during a busy season period. He emphasized the importance of all tournaments, including the AFC Champions League, QSL, Ooredoo Cup, and Amir Cup. Al Sadd is set to begin their AFC Champions League campaign against Al Nassr and Sepahan, and they will also play against Al Kharaitiyat in the Amir Cup Round of 16. Prats mentioned the team's aim to reach the Amir Cup final and highlighted the recent hiring of Mexican player Marco Fabian, who will be assigned specific roles by coach Xavi. Al Kharaitiyat coach Yousif Adam expressed his team's determination to perform well against Al Sadd, despite acknowledging Al Sadd's strengths. Al Sadd player Ayoub Mashhour spoke about the team's reliance on young players and his personal goals following his return from a loan move.

Al Rayyan, a prominent football team in Qatar, is preparing to face the Second Division team Mesaimeer in the Round 16 of the Amir Cup at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. Al Rayyan's coach, Diego Aguirre, emphasized the importance of the match and the team's intention to play at full strength without underestimating Mesaimeer. Despite Al Rayyan's recent loss in the AFC Champions League and inconsistent season performance, they are determined to win their first silverware of the season. Mesaimeer's coach, Raad Abullatif, acknowledged their technical limitations compared to Al Rayyan but expressed confidence in their determination and historical victory over Al Rayyan in the past. The article also mentions other upcoming Amir Cup matches, including Al Sailiya versus Umm Salal, Al Sadd against Al Kharaitiyat, and defending champions Al Duhail facing Muaither.

Qatar celebrated the return of its national football team, the champions of the AFC Asian Cup, with a grand welcome led by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The team's victory was historic as they won their first Asian Cup title by defeating Japan 3-1 in Abu Dhabi. The Amir and other high-ranking officials, including the Minister for Culture and Sports and the Qatar Olympic Committee President, greeted the team at Doha International Airport. The celebrations continued at the Corniche, where thousands of fans gathered. Qatar's journey to the title included victories over UAE, South Korea, Iraq, Lebanon, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia, showcasing a strong performance throughout the tournament.

Qatar celebrated the return of its national football team after winning the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. The team was welcomed at Doha International Airport by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other high-ranking officials, including QFA representatives. The Amir congratulated the team and mingled with fans at the airport. The team's victory included wins over Japan in the final, the UAE in the semi-finals, South Korea in the quarter-finals, and Iraq in the pre-quarter-finals, as well as a strong performance in the group league matches. The celebrations continued with a parade on an open bus along the Corniche, where thousands of fans gathered to greet the team.

ES Tunis is set to face Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final match in Doha. The African champions, ES Tunis, have previously faced defeats in the tournament but are looking to improve their performance this year. Coach Moin Chaabani believes his team is more focused and ready, with seven players having experience from the last championship. Al Hilal's coach, Razvan Lucescu, is relying on the team's motivation and recent AFC Champions League victory to compensate for their lack of experience. Esperance secured their spot in the Club World Cup after winning the CAF Champions League, despite a controversial final against Wydad Casablanca.

Qatar claimed their first Asian Cup title with a 3-1 victory over Japan. Almoez Ali opened the scoring with a record-breaking overhead kick, his ninth goal of the tournament, surpassing Ali Daei's record. Abdulaziz Hatem added a second with a long-range curler. Japan's Takumi Minamino scored in the second half, but Akram Afif sealed the win for Qatar with a penalty. The match featured cautious play initially, but Qatar's attacking prowess proved decisive. Qatar's victory was notable as they did not concede any goals until the final against Japan. The win earned Qatar a $5,000,000 prize.

Qatar claimed their first Asian Cup title with a 3-1 victory over Japan, thanks to goals from Almoez Ali, Abdulaziz Hatem, and Akram Afif. Almoez Ali opened the scoring with a record-breaking overhead kick, his ninth goal of the tournament, surpassing Ali Daei's record. Abdulaziz Hatem doubled the lead with a long-range curler. Japan's Takumi Minamino scored in the second half, but Qatar sealed the win with a penalty converted by Akram Afif. The win was significant as it was the first goal Qatar conceded in the tournament, and they walked away with a $5,000,000 cash prize.

Qatar won the 19th Asian Handball Championship in Kuwait, securing their fourth consecutive title by defeating South Korea with a score of 33-21. This victory continues Qatar's dominance in the region, having previously won the championship in 2014, 2016, and 2018. South Korea, despite being the record winners with nine titles, has not won since 2012. Qatar's performance was strong from the start, leading 14-11 at halftime and further extending their lead in the second half. South Korea faced their second loss to Qatar in this championship, having been defeated earlier in a group match. Bahrain, who lost to Qatar in the semi-finals, has been the runner-up in four of the last five Asian Championships. The finalists, along with the other two losing semi-finalists, have qualified for the 2021 World Men's Handball Championship in Egypt.

Al Duhail secured a spot in the final of the Qatar Cup by defeating Al Sailiya with a score of 2-0 in the semi-final at Al Sadd Stadium. The goals were scored in the second half by Mario Mandzukic and Almoez Ali, the latter through a penalty. Al Duhail will face the winner of the semi-final between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan. The match featured strong performances from both teams, with Al Duhail's new North Korean forward Han Kwang-Song making his debut. Al Sailiya's highest-ever standing in the Qatar league earned them a play-off place in the 2020 AFC Champions League.

Japan secured a historic 2-1 victory over Germany in their opening match of the World Cup 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Substitute Takuma Asano scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute, completing a comeback after Germany had taken the lead with a penalty by Ilkay Gundogan in the 33rd minute. Ritsu Doan also scored for Japan, marking the first time Japan has overcome a 1-0 deficit in a World Cup game. The win gives Japan a strong start in a challenging group and boosts their hopes of reaching the last-eight stage, a goal set by Coach Hajime Moriyasu. Germany, on the other hand, faces the risk of an early group stage exit similar to their 2018 World Cup campaign.

Generation Amazing commemorated the four-year countdown to the 2022 FIFA World Cup by hosting an event with schoolchildren and notable sports figures at Aspire Zone in Doha. The event included children from Middle East International School Qatar and featured Serbian coach Bora Milutinovic, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, and Generation Amazing's Acting Executive Director Afraa Al Noaimi. The programme highlighted the social and human legacy goals of the World Cup in Qatar, aiming to use football for social change and to empower youth. Generation Amazing has reached 250,000 beneficiaries across seven countries through its initiatives. The article also mentions past activities, including sending worker and youth ambassadors to previous World Cups.

Defending champions Al Duhail secured a 4-0 victory over Al Sailiya in the Amir Cup, advancing to the semi-finals where they will face Al Sadd. Al Arabi is set to play against Al Markhiya in the other semi-final match. Al Duhail's Brazilian striker Paulo Edmilson was the standout player, scoring the opening goal from a penalty and contributing to two other goals. Abdullah Abdulsalam Al Ahrak, Moez Ali, and Abdul Rahman Mohammed Mustafa each scored to complete the win. The match began cautiously with both teams assessing each other, but Al Duhail eventually dominated with a strong attacking performance, despite Al Sailiya's initial defensive efforts.

Jorge Campillo leads the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters by one shot after carding a third round 67 at the Education City Golf Club. Despite bogeys on the back nine, he remains ahead of David Drysdale and Jeff Winther. Drysdale, alongside his wife and caddie Vicky, is seeking his first European Tour victory in his 498th attempt. Winther, an avid fisherman, expressed satisfaction with his performance and the course conditions. Other notable performances included Pablo Larrazabal's course record-tying 63 and SSP Chawrasia's consistent scoring, which could lead to a strong finish for an Indian golfer at the tournament.

Al Duhail's new coach, Walid Regragui, is aiming for his first win in the Amir Cup title defence against Muaither SC. Regragui, who replaced Rui Faria after a loss to Al Sadd, is not worried about his initial defeat to Al Rayyan. He emphasizes the need for focus and is confident in his coaching style, although he acknowledges it will take time for the players to adapt. Regragui is also working on getting injured players like Youssef Msakni, Edmilson, and Mario Mandzukich back in form. Muaither SC's coach, Philippe Burle, is preparing his team for a potential upset in the match against Al Duhail, drawing inspiration from frequent upsets in the French Cup.

Iran's Shahr Khodro defeated Qatar's Al Sailiya in a penalty shoot-out with a score of 5-4 to advance to the group stage of the 2020 AFC Champions League. The match, which took place at Duhail Stadium in Doha, ended goalless after full time and extra time. Esteghlal, another Iranian club, also progressed to the group stage by securing a 5-0 victory over Qatar's Al Rayyan. Mehdi Ghaedi and Amir Motahari were the key players for Esteghlal, contributing two goals each. Despite Al Rayyan's dominance in ball possession and corner kicks, they were unable to score. Qatar's Al Sadd and Al Duhail have already qualified for the group stage of the competition.

Qatari football teams Al Rayyan and Al Sailiya are competing in the AFC Champions League play-off matches to secure a spot in the main draw of the tournament. Al Rayyan is set to face Iran's Esteghlal, a team they have previously encountered in the group stage, with hopes of qualifying for the 10th time. Esteghlal advanced to the play-off after defeating Kuwait SC. Al Sailiya, making their debut after a strong season in the Qatar Stars League, will play against Iran's Shahr Khodro. The winners of these matches will join the group stages, with Al Rayyan potentially entering Group A and Al Sailiya aiming for Group B.

Qatar secured their second consecutive win at the 2020 Asian Men's Handball Championship by defeating Japan 36-28, ensuring their qualification for the next round. The victory followed a previous win against China with a score of 49-18. The championship, which concludes on January 27, doubles as a qualifier for the 2021 World Championship in Egypt. Qatar finished their Group B matches with a perfect record, with the group also including Japan and China. The championship features 13 teams, with the semi-finalists automatically qualifying for the World Championship. If Australia or New Zealand place fifth or higher, they also qualify, otherwise, a wild card will be allocated. Qatar was the champion of the previous edition in 2018, and Bahrain defeated Qatar in the AHF Men's Asian Qualification Tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Qatar secured their second consecutive victory at the 2020 Asian Men’s Handball Championship by defeating Japan 36-28, ensuring their qualification for the next round. The championship, which is taking place in Kuwait, will conclude on January 27 and doubles as a qualifier for the 2021 World Championship in Egypt. Qatar had previously won against China with a score of 49-18. The tournament features 13 teams divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the main round. The semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the Egypt 2021 championship. Qatar is the defending champion, having won the previous edition in 2018, and has a history of victories against Bahrain, although Bahrain defeated Qatar in the AHF Men’s Asian Qualification Tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Al Kass International Cup, an Under-17 football tournament, is set to begin in Doha with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) facing Kashiwa Reysol in the opening match. PSG, a three-time winner, aims for a strong start in a repeat of the 2018 final. The tournament features youth teams from some of the world's most renowned clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and last year's champions, Glasgow Rangers. The 12 teams are divided into four groups, competing at Aspire Academy's facility. The group winners will advance to the next stage, with local team Aspire Academy and others like FC Internazionale Milano and Mohammed VI Football Academy also participating.

Steven Gardiner from the Bahamas won the men's 400m at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, setting a national record and the second fastest time of the year. His victory was a moment of pride for the Bahamas, which was recently struck by Hurricane Dorian. Colombian Anthony Zambrano won silver, and American Fred Kerley took bronze. In the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Kenya's Conseslus Kipruto clinched gold in a photo finish, marking the fastest time of the season. Ethiopian Lamecha Girma secured silver, and Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali earned bronze. The women's discus throw was dominated by Cubans Yaime Perez and Denia Caballero, with Perez winning gold and Caballero silver, while Croatian Sandra Perkovic, the Olympic champion, took bronze.

Steven Gardiner from the Bahamas won the men's 400m at the IAAF World Championships, setting a national record and the second fastest time of the year. The victory was a moment of joy for the hurricane-stricken Bahamas. Anthony Zambrano of Colombia took silver, and Fred Kerley of the United States earned bronze. In the men's 3,000m steeplechase, Kenya's Conseslus Kipruto clinched gold in a photo finish, beating Ethiopian Lamecha Girma by a hundredth of a second. Soufiane El Bakkali from Morocco won bronze. The women's discus throw was dominated by Cuba, with Yaime Perez winning gold and Denia Caballero taking silver, while Croatian Sandra Perkovic secured bronze.

At the IAAF World Championships 2019 held in Doha, Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim successfully defended his world title in high jump, earning the host nation its first gold medal of the event. Barshim achieved a jump of 2.37 meters, the highest in the world for the year. His victory was confirmed when competitors Mikhail Akimenko and Ilya Ivanyuk failed to clear the same height. The Khalifa International Stadium was filled with supporters, including the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as Barshim's family and friends. Despite a recent ankle injury and limited appearances over the past 18 months, Barshim made an impressive comeback and chose to end his attempts after the winning jump, starting the celebrations early.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's outstanding performance and India's solid defense secured a goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2022 and Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers at Al Sadd Stadium. Despite Qatar's dominance and numerous shots on goal, India managed to hold them off, largely thanks to Sandhu's saves. India earned their first point in the campaign after a previous loss to Oman, while Qatar's tally reached four points. The match was notable for India's resilience, especially without their experienced striker Sunil Chhetri, and ended with celebratory gestures from the Indian team and fans.

Al Arabi and Al Gharafa have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Amir Cup after defeating Umm Salal and Al Khor, respectively. Al Arabi won 3-1, while Al Gharafa secured a 5-2 victory, with Mehdi Taremi scoring the final goal. Abdulaziz Hatem and Ahmed Al Ganehi were notable scorers for Al Gharafa, while Tiago Bezerra scored both goals for Al Khor. The quarter-finals will see Al Arabi against Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa facing Al Sadd. The semi-finals and final will be held at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and Wakrah Stadium, respectively, with the final scheduled for May 16, concluding the football season in Qatar. Last year's Amir Cup was won by Al Duhail.

Qatari tennis player Mubarak Shannan Zayid is focusing on improving his ATP ranking by increasing his workload and participating in more tournaments. Zayid, who received a wildcard for the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, was defeated by Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez with a score of 6-1, 6-3 in the first round. Despite the loss, Zayid expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the Qatar Tennis Federation and acknowledged the need to work harder to compete at higher levels. He reflected on a particular moment in the match where he saw a chance to advance but ultimately made a critical mistake.

The article discusses the draw for the Qatar Open where top tennis players are set to compete. Stan Wawrinka, who is recovering from knee surgeries, is facing a challenging match against Karen Khachanov. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has a seemingly easier start against Damir Dzumhur. The tournament, part of the ATP World Tour 250 series, will take place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and features a strong lineup including Dominic Thiem, Nikolov Basilashvili, and David Goffin. Pierre-Hugues Herbert is set to play against Thiem in his Doha debut, while Marius Copil will play against Marton Fucsovics. The Qatar ExxonMobil Open is considered the curtain raiser for the ATP tour.

Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira has been granted a contract extension with the Qatari football club Al Sadd, following his successful tenure which included a Sheikh Jassim Cup win and second-place finishes in the QNB Stars League and Qatar Cup. The 72-year-old, who joined Al Sadd in December 2015, will continue to lead the team as they prepare for the AFC Champions League quarter-final against Esteghlal in August. Additionally, Al Sadd's midfielder Xavi Hernandez, a former Barcelona player, has also extended his contract with the club for two more years, ensuring his presence until the end of the 2019-2020 season. Xavi has been influential in the team's recent successes, including winning the 2017 Qatar Cup, the 2017 Amir Cup, and the 2017-18 Sheikh Jassim Cup.

Qatar football team Al Duhail secured a domestic trophy treble by winning the Amir Cup final against Al Rayyan with a 2-1 scoreline at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. The victory was celebrated in the presence of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, QFA officials, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Al Duhail's goals were scored by Karim Boudiaf and Youssef El Arabi, while Sebastian Soria scored for Al Rayyan. Al Duhail had previously won the QNB Stars League and the Qatar Cup, marking a successful season. The team now aims to win the AFC Champions League. The match was characterized by Al Duhail's dominant play and Al Rayyan's spirited but ultimately unsuccessful efforts.

Al Arabi won the Emir Cup basketball final against Al Wakrah with a score of 96-88 after extra time at the Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium. The match was tied at 75-all at the end of the normal period, leading to overtime where Al Arabi secured their victory. Both teams initially struggled to score, but Al Arabi eventually took the lead. Al Wakrah managed to keep the game competitive, even taking the lead at times, but Al Arabi held on and outscored them in the extra period. Nicholas Stover, William Earl Byrd, and Khalid Suliman Abdi were key players for Al Arabi, while Demarius Armond Bolds, Earnest Lee Ross Jr, and Adamu Saaka scored for Al Wakrah.

Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen won their first FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour gold of 2018 at Katara Beach, Qatar. The Dutch pair defeated Oleg Stoyanovskiy and Igor Velichko in the final. Qatar's Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan secured the bronze medal, becoming the first Qatari team to win a World Tour medal, by beating the USA's Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena. The tournament marked the fourth time Doha has hosted an FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour event and was held at the Katara Cultural Village for the first time.

In the 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Open quarter-finals in Doha, Chinese players Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin won their matches. Zhendong defeated Denmark's Jonathan Groth in a challenging match, while Xin overcame his compatriot Zhou Yu in a seven-game battle. The article details the matches, highlighting the players' strategies and the intense moments of the games. In the women's section, Japan's Kasumi Ishikawa and China's Liu Shiwen also emerged victorious in their quarter-final contests, with Ishikawa beating Miu Hirano and Shiwen defeating Hitomi Sato.

The article discusses the qualification stage of the 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open in Doha, where top-ranked Chinese players Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen were challenged but ultimately succeeded in advancing to the main draw. Ding Ning faced a tough match against Japan's Miyuu Kihara, while Liu Shiwen competed against Singapore's Lin Ye. The article also highlights the performance of India's Banika Batra, who overcame Canada's Zhang Mo in a seven-game match. Other notable matches included Choi Hyojoo's comeback against Japan's Yui Hamamoto and Ng Wing Nam's victory over Cheng Hsien-Tzu from Chinese Taipei.

The Qatar Volleyball Association and the Katara Cultural Village Foundation have announced their collaboration for the upcoming Katara Beach Volleyball Cup 2018, which will take place from March 6 to 10 in Doha, Qatar. The event will feature 14 of the top 16 world-ranked pairs competing for ranking points ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The tournament is part of the Halal Qatar Festival, aiming to celebrate the country's cultural heritage. The agreement to host the event, which is the only four-star event in the Middle East on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, is currently for one year, with the possibility of extension. The tournament is expected to attract visitors from around the world and showcase top-level beach volleyball action.

Qatar progressed to the next round of the 24th ISF World Schools Handball Championships after defeating Bulgaria 24-12 in the boys' section. The match took place at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium in Al Sadd. Qatar is set to face Serbia in the following round. Other matches saw Serbia win against Denmark, Austria triumph over an unnamed team, and Greece beat Romania. In the girls' section, Serbia, Czech Republic, and Brazil emerged victorious against Turkey, Israel, and Croatia, respectively. The championship features over 20 countries and is organized by the Qatar School Sports Association in collaboration with the Qatar Handball Federation. The event is being held across three venues in Doha and will conclude on February 28.

The 2018 Qatar Open Shotgun Championship is set to begin at the Losail Shooting Range with 250 shooters from 38 countries participating, including 16 Olympic medalists. The event, which features Trap, Double Trap, and Skeet categories, offers an opportunity for local talent to observe Olympic shooters in action. QSAA President Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari and Competition Director Antonella highlighted the event's significance as a preparation for the new season and a platform for junior shooters. The competition is praised for its high level and friendly environment. A total prize money of $133,000 will be distributed, with the top six finishers in each category receiving cash awards. The event concludes on February 22.

The 2018 Handball World Schools Championships are set to begin in a week in Doha, with preparations in full swing. Abeer Al Buainain, a member of the Ceremonies and Awards committee, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the opening ceremony rehearsals. The event, featuring over 20 countries in both boys and girls sections, is organized by the Qatar School Sports Association in collaboration with the Qatar Handball Federation. It will take place at Aspire Academy of Sports Excellence, Qatar Women’s Sports Committee, and Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena starting February 21. The Organizing Committee is actively working to ensure a smooth experience and has launched a dedicated website for event details. They are also engaging with local schools and students, including those with special needs, to encourage attendance and participation.

Qatari football teams Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, and Al Gharafa are set to begin their journey in the 2018 AFC Champions League with optimism. Al Duhail and Al Gharafa will play their matches today, while Al Sadd and Al Rayyan will play tomorrow. Al Duhail will face Iran's Zob Ahan, and Al Rayyan will host Esteghlal. Al Sadd will compete against UAE's Al Wasl, and Al Gharafa will play against Al Jazira. Al Duhail's coach, Djamel Belmadi, and team captain, Youssef Msakni, are confident in their team's abilities. Al Gharafa, who last reached the quarterfinals in 2010, aims for a strong start, especially with new signings like Wesley Sneijder and Mehdi Taremi.