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Russian Grandmaster Andrey Esipenko on Thursday beat Indian GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly for his third successive win on day three of the Qatar Masters.Esipenko, a European giant who is only 22 years of age, now has a tally of three points at the FIDE tournament that ends on December 12 at Aspire Zone Hall.On Thursday, top seed Arjun Erigaisi of India regained a bit of momentum he had lost on Wednesday with a draw. Erigaisi, keen to win the Doha event, on Thursday beat Saidakbar Saydaliev of Uzbekistan.“It’s great to be back at the Qatar Masters” said India’s top-ranked player Erigaisi. “The tournament is really well-organised, and the atmosphere is fantastic. I’m feeling good and aiming to win the title, but I know it won’t be easy. There are a lot of strong players here, both established and up-and-coming individuals,” he added.Erigaisi is one of 14 players with a tally of 2.5 points. One in a group of four with three points, Esipenko on Thursday was joined at the top of the rankings by Armenian GM Shant Sargsyan who beat India’s Adhiban Baskaran, Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria who edged Russia’s Polina Shuvalova, and Iranian GM Pouya Idani who outclassed Iranian IM Arash Tahbaz. Iran’s Reza Mahdavi, the hero of the first two rounds, slipped a little on Thursday when he was held to a draw by compatriot Bardiya Daneshvar.Also on Thursday, Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdustarov, ranked sixth in the world and runner-up in Doha last year, beat Poland’s Alicja Sliwicka. Uzbek Grandmaster Shamsiddin Vokhidov meanwhile drew with Indian’s IM Dhingra Aaditya.Alexei Kuzmin, the Technical Director of the national teams, on Thursday was all praise for the Qatar Chess Association (QCA) for hosting the popular FIDE tournament for the fourth time.Kuzmin underlined the significance of hosting international tournaments for male and female players, asserting that they provide invaluable opportunities for Qatar players in gaining experience and competing against emerging talents.The Russian highlighted the strong performances of many tournament participants at major international events.From a technical perspective, Qatar’s goal is to elevate the players’ skill levels and learning from past mistakes.The QCA’s overarching objective, he explained, is to expand the player base and cultivate a Qatari team capable of achieving notable success in regional and continental competitions. Kuzmin concluded by discussing the team’s participation in the International B tournament, saying he was impressed with what he saw from young players.“The Qatar Masters is one of the top open tournaments in the world,” Kuzmin said on Thursday. “It’s a great opportunity for our Qatari players to compete against the best and learn from their experiences. We’re working hard to build a strong national team that can compete at the highest level,” he added.Top results Russia GM Andrey Esipenko beat Indian GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly; Armenian GM Shant Sargsyan beat India’s Adhiban Baskaran; Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria beat Polina Shuvalova of Russia; Iranian GM Pouya Idani beat Iranian IM Arash Tahbaz; Iran’s Reza Mahdavi drew with compatriot Bardiya Daneshvar; Top seed India’s Arjun Erigaisi beat Saidakbar Saydaliev

Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Beach Pro Tour Finals Doha 2024 after an impeccable performance in Pool A, where they recorded four consecutive victories.The Qatari duo showcased exceptional skill at the Aspire Zone, defeating formidable opponents, including Olympic silver medallists and reigning world champions, to earn their place among the tournament’s top four teams.On Thursday, Younousse and Ahmed maintained their unbeaten run, beginning with a thrilling three-set triumph over Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler of Germany. After losing the opening set 21-16, the Qataris bounced back to claim the next two sets 21-17 and 15-13, overcoming the World No.3 pair in a pulsating encounter.Later, they continued their dominance with their first straight-set victory of the tournament, edging past the Netherlands’ Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot in another nail-biting clash, 23-21, 22-20.On the opening day, Younousse and Ahmed had defeated 10th-seeded world champions Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner of Czechia, rallying to win 2-1 (20-22, 22-20, 15-9). They also came from behind to outclass eighth-seeded Italians Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, securing a 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-9) victory.Joining the Qataris in the semi-finals are Sweden’s Olympic champions and FIVB World Ranking leaders David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig, who finished at the top of Pool B.On the women’s side, Americans Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft, along with compatriots Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth, as well as Katja Stam and Raisa Schoon of the Netherlands, advanced to the Doha Finals play-offs.Their progression to the semi-finals or quarter-finals, as well as the other teams advancing to the next stage, will be determined in the final round of pool matches scheduled for today.Eighth-seeded Cannon & Kraft achieved their third victory in Pool A, but this time they were pushed to a tie-breaker by fifth-seeded Xue Chen & Xia Xinyi of China. In an even game and despite an impressive 27-point match high from Xia, the US duo emerged with a 2-1 (21-15, 14-21, 15-12) win. Cannon & Kraft stand on top of the Pool A standings as the only team to have collected three victories so far.Xue & Xia are second on a 2-1 win-loss record. Earlier, the Chinese pair played another three-set match, but this time came out on top 2-1 (22-20, 15-21, 15-13) against Italian’s Valentina Gottardi & Reka Orsi Toth.

Saint-Etienne and Marseille face off in Ligue 1 this weekend as two of French football’s most storied clubs prepare to meet twice in the space of a fortnight. Les Verts, whose 10 French titles is second only to Paris Saint-Germain, were also drawn to face Marseille in the last 64 of the French Cup just before Christmas.Back in the top flight after two seasons in the second division, Saint-Etienne have relied heavily on their home form to stay afloat this term. Saint-Etienne have won four of their last five at their Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, where they have collected all but one of their 13 points so far.Last weekend they crashed to a 5-0 loss at Rennes after being reduced to 10 men before half-time. “There will be other obstacles, and big ones. We have a very tough season ahead, we know that,” said coach Olivier Dall’Oglio in the wake of that defeat.“When there are challenges of that type, we’re going to need to overcome them and not collapse like I saw the team collapse.”Marseille, conversely, have thrived on their travels and have the league’s best away record with six wins from seven matches. Roberto De Zerbi’s side climbed above Monaco into second place with a 2-1 win last Sunday and sit seven points back of leaders PSG.Luis Enrique’s side face another critical juncture in their season, travelling to Auxerre on Friday before a trip to Salzburg next week in the Champions League. PSG are unbeaten in their last 30 away games in Ligue 1 but were held at home by a struggling Nantes team last weekend.With just one win in five in Europe, PSG find themselves outside the 24 qualifying spots for the knockout stages. “We’ve made mistakes in terms of our performances in the Champions League but it’s a good season,” the Spaniard. “Our problems are good ones because we can push past them. These results don’t reflect what I’ve seen on the pitch.”Luis Enrique also moved to quash talk of dressing room discord, dismissing claims of tensions between himself and some players, notably Ousmane Dembele. “I’m not going to respond to rumours and lies,” he said. “The team is wonderful and I have nothing to add. I’m not going waste my energy with what’s said in the media. You’ll hardly hear me say bad things about a player in public.”Lille and Brest, both of whom are well positioned to advance in the Champions League, meet on Fridaybefore Monaco – who also have 10 points from five games in Europe – host Toulouse on Saturday.Fixtures (all times GMT)Friday: Lille v Brest (1800), Auxerre v Paris Saint-Germain (2000)Saturday: Monaco v Toulouse (1600), Nice v Le Havre (1800), Angers v Lyon (2000)Sunday: Lens v Montpellier (1400), Nantes v Rennes, Strasbourg v Reims (both 1600), Saint-Etienne v Marseille (1945)

Liverpool’s Premier League lead was cut to seven points by Arsenal and Chelsea after the Reds conceded a 90th-minute equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday. Chelsea thrashed 10-man Southampton 5-1 to go second on goal difference ahead of Arsenal, who beat Manchester United 2-0. Manchester City snapped their seven-game winless run by beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 to go fourth.Mohamed Salah’s second-half double was not enough to extend Liverpool’s seven-game winning run in all competitions as they failed to win for just the third time in 21 games under Arne Slot. Twice the league leaders were forced to come from behind at St James’ Park as Alexander Isak blasted Newcastle into a 1-0 half-time lead.Curtis Jones levelled before Anthony Gordon restored Newcastle’s lead. Salah twice converted Trent Alexander-Arnold assists to turn the game around, taking his tally for the season to 15 goals.However, there was a late sting in the tale as a rare error from Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher allowed Fabian Schar to squeeze in a late equaliser for the Magpies. “He has done remarkably well for us and even today he was good. Unfortunately, he misjudged the situation,” Liverpool boss Slot said of Kelleher’s blunder.Arsenal took full advantage by inflicting Ruben Amorim’s first defeat as Manchester United boss. Once again the Gunners were able to rely on their prowess from set-pieces to get the job done. Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock, heading in Declan Rice’s corner nine minutes into the second half.William Saliba did not know much about the second, as he diverted in Thomas Partey’s header from Bukayo Saka’s corner, but the Frenchman did not care as Arsenal had the breathing space they craved. A fourth consecutive win in all competitions confirmed Arsenal’s return to form and applied a little pressure on Liverpool.Chelsea put bottom-of-the-table Southampton to the sword at St Mary’s even before the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Jack Stephens pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair. Axel Disasi’s early opener for the Blues was cancelled out by Joe Aribo. But Christopher Nkunku pounced on sloppy Southampton passing from the back to make it 2-1 before Noni Madueke added a third. Stephens then saw red in a bizarre incident as he jostled with Cucurella from a Saints corner. Cole Palmer made sure he got in on the act with Chelsea’s fourth before Jadon Sancho’s first goal since his loan move from Manchester United rounded off the scoring.City bounced back from their barren run thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the starting line-up for the first time in nearly three months. The Belgian teed up Bernardo Silva for the opening goal before firing in the second himself. Jeremy Doku sealed a much-needed three points for Pep Guardiola’s men, who are now nine off the top.Aston Villa ended their eight-game run without a win with a dominant first-half display to beat Brentford 3-1. Morgan Rogers’ wonder strike, Ollie Watkins’ penalty and Matty Cash’s effort made it 3-0 inside 34 minutes before Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard got one back.Everton thrashed Wolves 4-0 thanks to two Craig Dawson own goals in a huge clash at the bottom of the table. Ashley Young and Orel Mangala put the Toffees 2-0 up at half-time, before Dawson’s goals twice rubbed salt in Wolves’ wounds after the break. Victory lifts Everton five points clear of the relegation zone, while Wolves sink to 19th.

Premier League champions Manchester City were drawn on Thursday with Juventus, Wydad AC and Al Ain in Group G for next year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.Lionel Messi and Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami are in Group A and will face Al Ahly in the opening match of the expanded 32-team tournament before games against Porto and Palmeiras.The tournament, featuring top teams from around the world, will be held in 12 stadiums around the country from June 15-July 13 and serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada. Manchester City won the most recent Club World Cup in 2023 under the old format and sit fourth in the Premier League after being hit hard by injuries to key players such as Spanish midfielder and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.City, who this year won an unprecedented fourth straight English top-flight title, will face Wydad AC in their opening match and Al Ain before closing out the group stage against Juventus. Miami were the penultimate team added to the tournament after winning the “Supporters’ Shield” for finishing top of the MLS standings in the regular season before losing in the first round of the MLS playoffs last month.European champions Real Madrid will face Al-Hilal, Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg in Group H while Bayern Munich were placed in Group C along with Auckland City, Boca Juniors and Benfica. Three-times European champions Inter Milan landed in Group E along with River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds and Monterrey while Paris St Germain, who this year won a third consecutive French top-flight title, are in Group B with Atletico Madrid, Botafogo and Seattle Sounders.Brazilian side Botafogo only secured the final spot in the tournament last week by winning their first Copa Libertadores title. Chelsea will begin Group D play against Leon before facing Flamengo and Esperance, while Group F is made up of Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns.The draw, conducted by Italian World Cup winner and former Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero, included a recorded message from US President-elect Donald Trump in which he complimented FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The event is going to be incredible. I will try and be there. If I can I would, we’ll see what happens,” Trump said. “But I just want to say you’re led by a man named Gianni. I just know him as Gianni and he’s a winner and he’s the president, and I’m the president.“We’ve known each other a long time, and I’m so honoured to have this kind of a relationship because soccer is going through the roof. As everybody knows, it’s been doing fantastically well ... and it really is taking over the United States in terms of the sport.”FIFA Club World Cup drawGroup A: Palmeiras (BRA); Porto (POR); Al Ahly (EGY); Inter Miami (USA)Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA); Atletico Madrid (ESP); Botafogo (BRA); Seattle Sounders (USA)Group C: Bayern Munich (GER); Auckland City FC (NZL); Boca Juniors (ARG); Benfica (POR)Group D: Flamengo (BRA); Esperance (TUN); Chelsea (ENG); Club Leon (MEX)Group E: River Plate (ARG); Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN); Monterrey (MEX); Inter Milan (ITA)Group F: Fluminense (BRA); Borussia Dortmund (GER); Ulsan HD FC (KOR); Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)Group G: Manchester City (ENG); Wydad (MAR); Al Ain (UAE); Juventus (ITA)Group H: Real Madrid (ESP); Al Hilal (KSA); Pachuca (MEX); RB Salzburg (AUT)

Kylian Mbappe said he will take full responsibility for a “big mistake” after the striker missed another penalty in champions Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Wednesday. A week after the French superstar failed from the spot in the Champions League against Liverpool, he endured further misery from 12 yards as Los Blancos allowed league leaders Barcelona to retain their four-point advantage.Alejandro Berenguer fired Bilbao ahead early in the second half, with Jude Bellingham levelling for Madrid after Mbappe’s penalty miss.However, substitute Gorka Guruzeta snatched fourth-place Athletic victory in the 80th minute after a Fede Valverde error. The defeat and Mbappe’s penalty miss will heap further pressure on to the former Paris Saint-Germain striker’s shoulders after plenty of criticism in recent weeks.“A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility for it,” said Mbappe in a post on social media network Instagram. “A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said the forward was downhearted after goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala saved his penalty. “Obviously (Mbappe) is sad, disappointed, but he has to continue,” the Italian said.Mbappe has scored 10 goals in his first 20 games for Madrid across all competitions but is struggling for consistency. “He’s not at his best level but we have to give him time to adapt, he’s scored 10 goals, he can do better and he’s working to do that,” said Ancelotti.Madrid were hoping to build on three consecutive wins in La Liga, despite missing Vinicius Junior and other injured stars, with Ancelotti bringing French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni back into the starting line-up. Thibaut Courtois made an important early intervention to deny Spain winger Nico Williams, with his brother Inaki Williams lurking dangerously. It was a first half of few clear chances, but one played with intensity in front of a packed San Mames stadium. Mbappe found the net but the goal was ruled out for offside and the referee reviewed a Rodrygo penalty appeal but decided the Brazilian winger went down too easily.At the other end, Berenguer should have put the hosts ahead but blasted high over the bar after Inaki Williams’ clever backheel teed him up. The forward made amends early in the second half by bundling home from close range after Courtois could only palm an Inaki Williams cross into his path.Mbappe had the chance to level for Madrid from the spot when Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala barrelled into Antonio Rudiger. After missing his penalty against Liverpool, Mbappe agreed to let Bellingham take one against Getafe on Sunday. However this time the French forward stepped up himself but his weak effort, again to the goalkeeper’s left, was at a comfortable height for Agirrezabala to parry.Mbappe did play a part in Madrid’s equaliser, though, with a vicious drive from distance that the stopper could only push out into the path of Bellingham, who finished tidily for his fourth goal in his last four league games.Madrid were only level for two minutes before Bilbao regained the lead through Guruzeta, who stole the ball as Valverde prepared to pass and fired low past Courtois. Mbappe cut a deflated figure in the final stages, with one attempt to break in down the left quickly shut down by the Bilbao defence to raucous cheers from their jubilant supporters.

Simmering bad blood between Formula One rivals Max Verstappen and George Russell exploded into open accusations of bullying and lying at of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday.Verstappen said in Qatar last weekend that he had lost all respect for Russell after stewards stripped Red Bull’s quadruple champion of pole position and promoted his Mercedes rival to the top slot. The Dutch driver expressed no regret for the comments in a news conference at Yas Marina on Thursday, accusing Russell of lying to secure an advantage.Dutch reporters said Verstappen, who ultimately won Sunday’s race with Russell fourth, also referred to the Briton as a ‘loser’.Russell responded in an extraordinary session with reporters inside the Mercedes hospitality, with team boss Toto Wolff standing at his side and throwing his own barbs at Red Bull boss Christian Horner.The angry Mercedes driver accused Verstappen of threatening behaviour and said it was time to set the record straight.“I’ve known Max for a long time and I know what he’s capable of,” said Russell. “He said to me he’s going to purposely go out of his way to crash into me.”Russell said he had thought it was a heat of the moment thing but the next day felt Verstappen meant it when he saw “the fire in his eyes. “I never had the intention of throwing Max under the bus like this until he comes out and slams me so personally,” he said.“For a world champion to be coming out and saying he’s going to go out of his way to crash into someone and put them on their effing heads, that is not the sort of role models we should be.”Russell said seven times title-winning teammate Lewis Hamilton, who lost out on an eighth crown to Verstappen in Abu Dhabi in a controversial 2021 finale, was the kind of champion he aspiredto be.He suggested former FIA race director Michael Masi, who lost his job after changing the safety car procedure at the 2021 race, would have feared for his life had Verstappen not won. “I’m not questioning his driving abilities one single bit. But the second, he does not have the fastest car – let’s take Budapest as an example. He crashes into Lewis, he slams his whole team and he loses the plot.”Verstappen said Russell’s behaviour in the stewards’ room had shocked him. “I just never expected someone to really try and actively get someone a penalty that badly, and lying about why I was doing what I was doing,” he said.Red Bull boss Christian Horner suggested after the race that Russell was behaving hysterically – a comment that fired up Wolff, who had earlier this season been singing Verstappen’s praises and trying to sign him.“Why does he (Horner) feel entitled to comment about my driver?” he asked on Thursday. “I spent 90 seconds to think about it. Yapping little terrier. Always something to say.”Russell said Verstappen was angry before he’d even spoken to the stewards. “At the end of the day, there’s nothing to lie about. The facts were the facts. he was going too slow,” he said. “As drivers you fight hard on track. You fight hard in the stewards.”

Wathnan Racing, trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey James Doyle were not content with just two wins on the day, as they secured a third in the day’s feature, with Supercooled winning the Thoroughbred Derby Trial on his Qatar debut.On Thursday, at the Al Uqda Racecourse, under a brilliant ride by Doyle, the four-year-old colt of Lope De Vega, made his challenge in the final few strides, in what seemed like an impossible task, and got the better of his nearest rival to win by a head in a thrilling finish. Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, crowned the winners.Earlier in the day, the trio of owner, trainer and jockey won the back to back races. First, War Boy maintained the good impression, following his placed debut two weeks ago. The three-year-old colt made it in the final stages of the 1400m Local Thoroughbred Trial and landed the spoils comfortably albeit the strong challenge of his rivals.Wathnan Racing along with trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey Doyle were quickly back in the winners’ enclosure, having recorded a quick-fire double with Divana Chica winning the Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial. The four-year-old filly showed impressive determination in the final strides of the 2100m contest and prevailed comfortably.The colours of Wathnan Racing along with trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey James Doyle were quickly back in the winners’ enclosure, having recorded a quick-fire double with Divana Chica (Majd Al Arab) winning the Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial.The four-year-old filly showed impressive determination in the final strides of the 2100m contest and prevailed cosily. Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, crowned the winners. In the penultimate race of the day, Al Shaqab Racing’s homebred Afjan took the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial, getting the better of his stablemate and half-brother Al Zwair by a neck.Jockey Faleh Bughanaim timed his challenge to perfection, guiding his mount to come fast and pip his rivals in the final strides, and giving the Al Shaqab Racing and trainer Jean de Mieulle a one-two in the 2100m race.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s homebred Aneed Al Shahania remained unbeaten on his second career start. The four-year-old son of Azadi travelled smoothly under a well-timed ride by Lukas Delozier and showed an impressive turn of foot in the final 100m to overtake the long-time leader and kick clear winning the 2100m National Derby Trial for Local Purebred Arabians by 2½ lengths for trainer Rudy Nerbonne.Warming broke her maiden in style, capturing a major victory in the Thoroughbred Oaks Trial for owner Khalid bin Ghanem M al-Kuwari and trainer Hamad al-Jehani.Jockey Szczepan Mazur grabbed his 2nd win on the day as he steered the three-year-old filly to a dominant win by almost three lengths.RESULTS11th Al Rayyan Race Meeting - Trials DayWINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1 - Thoroughbred Derby Trial (3yo only) (Class 2)Supercooled, Alban De Mieulle, James Doyle2 - Purebred Arabian Derby Trial (4yo only) (Class 2)Afjan, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh Bughanaim3 - National Derby Trial - Local Purebred Arabian (4yo only) (Class 2)Aneed Al Shahania, Rudy Andre Nerbonne, Lukas Delozier4 - Thoroughbred Oaks Trial (3yo Fillies only) (Class 2)Warming, Hamad al-Jehani, Szczepan Mazur5 - Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial (4yo Fillies only) (Class 2)Divana Chica, Alban de Mieulle, James Doyle6 - Local Thoroughbred Trial (3yo only) (Class 2)War Boy, Alban dDe Mieulle, James Doyle7 - Local Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial (4yo Fillies only) (Class 2)AJS Najma, M H K al-Attiyah, Szczepan Mazur8 - Thoroughbred Open Race (2yo only) (Class 2)Glitterati, Wasim al-Sahn, Jefferson Smith

The HH The Amir Cup Bowling 2024, organised by the Qatar Bowling Federation got underway at the Qatar International Bowling Center on Thursday. The tournament which runs till December 12 will see singles and mixed singles competitions with a large participation of Qatari and top players from various countries around the world.The first day’s competitions witnessed five attempts, with the participation of 23 players from Kuwait, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, including 16 players from the Qatari national team and a number of players who have previously participated in several previous versions of the tournament, such as Prince Mohammed al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s Jassim al-Muraikhi, Mansour al-Hajri, Mosaed al-Muraikhi, Mohammed al-Muraikhi, and Ibrahim Sattam al-Muraikhi, Kuwait’s Ali Haidar, Egypt’s Abdullah Abdul Salam, and Bahrain’s Youssef Falah.Qatari players achieved good results on the first day, and perhaps the most prominent of which was in the first attempt where Khaled al-Dosari topped with a total of 678 points, while Mosaed al-Muraikhi came in second place with 209.67 points, and Jassim al-Muraikhi finished third with 209.67 points. Qatari’s Fahad al-Emadi stood first place in the second attempt with a total score of 694 points, while Malaysian Nora Norkam was second with 685 points, and Saudi Prince Mohammed al-Saud third with 684 points.The tournament competitions will continue tomorrow and for the second day with 5 attempts as well, followed by 4 attempts over 3 days, December 6, 7 and 8, then 5 attempts on December 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the first stages. The final stages of the tournament will begin on the penultimate day, for which 36 players will qualify to compete to win the title in five stages.The Qatar Bowling Federation has announced a total prize-money of $110,000 with the winner receiving $25,000 and the runner-up $16,000, the third-place winner receiving $12,000, fourth-place winner receiving $8,000, the fifth-place winner receiving $6,000, while the winners from sixth to ninth place will receive $3,000 each, from 10th to 13th place winners will receive $2,000 each, from 14th to 16th place winners will receive $1,500, from 17th to 20th place winners will receive $1,100, from 21st to 24th place winners will receive $900, and finally, each winner from 25th to 36th place will receive $800.Swede Kim Bolleby had won the title last year defeating Emirati Naif Aqab 257-226 in the final. Abdullah Haroun al-Jassiman, head of the tournament’s technical committee, expressed his happiness with the exciting start of the competitions, noting that the HH The Amir Bowling Cup is one of the largest tournaments in the region.

Australia head into the second Test against India in Adelaide fired up by pride, captain Pat Cummins said on Thursday, as his team seek to bounce back from a crushing loss in Perth. The hosts crumbled to a 295-run defeat in the first Test but go into the day-night clash starting today buoyed by a formidable record at the Adelaide Oval.They have won all seven pink-ball Tests they have played there, including against India in 2020-21 when the visitors were bundled out for 36. Josh Hazlewood was chief destroyer, taking 5-8, but a side strain has ruled him out this time, with seamer Scott Boland replacing him. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh was declared fit to bowl after pulling up with back stiffness in Perth in an otherwise unchanged team.Cummins admitted the pressure was on, but said they were used to it. “Any Test match there is pressure,” he said.“When you’re down there’s a little bit more, especially when you are at home. But we have been in similar situations in World Cups or other series... we love playing here, we know we weren’t at our best last week and we have got a few things to work on.“Everyone has got a lot of personal pride, professional pride. So there’s pressure on you anytime you play, let alone with the scoreboard being down 1-0.”Boland will play his first Test in almost 18 months, with Cummins expecting the 35-year-old to be an asset on a pitch set to suit him.“There’s normally a little bit of nip, which suits Scotty quite well,” he said. “His prep has been really good. He’s happy with how his rhythm is. As a captain, it’s pretty awesome to have Scotty come straight in, who can bowl a huge amount of overs if you need, is super consistent and has performed at this level.”Cummins added that he was “pretty confident” Hazlewood would be back for the third Test in Brisbane next week.The uncapped Beau Webster was called up to Australia’s squad as a precaution in case Marsh was not fit, but Australia’s T20 skipper has been deemed ready to go despite not turning his arm in the nets this week. “We made the call with the medical team over the last couple of days to give him a couple of days off bowling but expect him to warm up, and if required, will bowl,” Cummins said.“Guessing he would be required at some point.”Australia: Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

Rohit Sharma will bat down the order in the pink-ball second Test against Australia in Adelaide, with India’s returning skipper on Thursday saying KL Rahul had earned his place as an opener.Rohit, who usually opens, missed their 295-run first Test victory in Perth last week for the birth of his second child.In his place, Rahul scored a patient 26 in the first innings then a solid 77 in a crucial 201-run opening stand with century-maker Yashasvi Jaiswal. “KL will open. The way he batted and his partnership with Jaiswal was instrumental in that first Test win,” said Rohit ahead of the game starting on Friday.“The way he has batted outside India, he deserves it. I will bat somewhere in the middle. It was a fairly simple decision. Personally, it wasn’t easy, but for the team, it was an easy decision to make.”Rohit would not reveal India’s starting XI, nor where exactly he will bat. But with regular number three Shubman Gill set to return from a thumb injury, he will probably come in at five, after Virat Kohli and before Rishabh Pant.Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel appear likely to make way.Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja were both overlooked for Perth and it remains unclear whether they will play.But Rohit said they remained integral to the five-Test series.“Unfortunately I wasn’t there to break the news to them that they won’t be playing that first game,” he said. “It’s always hard to leave experienced players like them out. But I think the decision was made for what was best for the team at that particular time... and that is I think what we will throughout the series look to do. “But I certainly see them playing a huge role in the rest of the series because what they bring to the table can never be written off. They are quality players.”Despite brimming with confidence after their victory in Perth, Rohit admitted that playing under lights with a pink ball at Adelaide Oval would be challenging.Australia have won all seven of its day-night Tests at the venue including an eight-wicket win over India in 2020 when they were all out for 36 in their second innings. “You are so used to playing with a red ball and the pink ball certainly does a little bit more than the red ball,” Rohit said.“At the same time we have been training here for the past three days and I certainly felt that the more time you spend playing the pink ball, it gets a little easier.“The pink ball will have its challenges under lights, during the day as well – you just have to find your own way of dealing with it.”

South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton scored a maiden Test century as the hosts finished on 269-7 against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the second Test on Thursday.Rickelton was brought into the team, after Wiaan Mulder’s injury in last week’s first test win ruled him out, and took his chance but not before surviving a massive scare on 98.The 28-year-old, competing in his eighth test, was adjudged leg before wicket to a delivery that nipped back from Vishwa Fernando but was spared when a review of the umpire’s decision showed a slight inside edge before the ball hit the pads.Two balls later, Rickelton pushed for a couple of runs to bring up his test century off 231 balls to his obvious relief and the delight of the St George’s Park crowd. He added only one more run before being dismissed when snagged by Pathum Nissanka at gully off Lahiru Kumara minutes before stumps.Sri Lanka came back strongly after taking the second new ball and also dismissed Marco Jansen for four with the last ball before the close.The home side had looked to have the upper hand as captain Temba Bavuma chimed in with 78 while Kyle Verreynne was 48 not out at the close and will resume on Friday along Keshav Maharaj.Sri Lanka had the hosts in difficulty at 82-3 at lunch but Bavuma and Rickelton fought back and put on 133 runs for the fourth wicket before the skipper was dismissed in the penultimate over before tea.He was tempted into taking on a series of short balls, eventually gloving a swing to Asitha Fernando’s rising delivery and giving away his wicket when looking well set to go on and reach three figures. Bavuma has now made 23 test fifties but only gone on to a test century three times.David Bedingham followed cheaply for six despite being handed two lives when he was dropped twice after top edging rising deliveries high into the sky.But he continued an aggressive approach and was bowled by spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, dancing down the wicket and missing a wild swing at the ball.Before lunch, Kumara took his 100th test wicket as he bowled opener Aiden Markram for 20 and followed that up with the dismissal of home favourite Tristan Stubbs, who was caught behind for four runs.Tony de Zorzi’s was the first wicket to fall as he was dismissed first ball, trapped leg before wicket by Asitha Fernando at the start of the second over of the day.Both countries are looking for victory to stay on track for a place in next year’s World Test Championship final.South Africa won last week’s first Test in Durban by 233 runs.BRIEF SCORES: Day 1South Africa 269 for 7 (Rickelton 101, Bavuma 78, Kumara 3-54, Asitha 2-67) vsSri Lanka.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), honoured the former presidents of Qatar’s national federations when he met them on Wednesday at the QOC headquarters. The meeting was attended by Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the QOC. This recognition reflects profound appreciation for the former presidents’ dedication and exceptional contributions to the development of sports in Qatar as their efforts have been instrumental in elevating the nation’s status as a prominent global sports hub. The list of honorees included; Hassan Nasser al-Naimi, former president of the Qatar Golf Association, Khaleel Ibrahim al-Jabir, former president of the Qatar Swimming Association and Muhammed Jaham al-Kuwari, former president of the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation.

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashin al-Buenain met with recently-elected President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Fabio Azevedo in Doha on Wednesday.During the meeting, the development of volleyball in Qatar was discussed as the QOC expressed its commitment to strengthening co-operation with the FIVB and contributing to the delivery of the FIVB Strategic Plan 2032 with the motto “Together as One” empowering Global Volleyball Movement.HE Sheikh Joaan appreciated Doha’s hosting of the Beach Pro Tour Finals, highlighting its significant role in enhancing the sport’s popularity and elevating its technical and skill standards across all age groups throughout the Middle East.Qatar has a strong history in the sport, particularly beach volleyball, with Doha regularly hosting the Beach Pro Tour. Doha has successfully hosted 2024 WAVA U20 Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship recently and now is hosting the Beach Pro Tour Finals at Aspire Park.Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan also claimed bronze for Qatar at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. President Azevedo was in Doha this week for a number of volleyball initiatives delivered in partnership with the QOC, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) and FIVB Volleyball Foundation.The ‘Women in Sports: Creating Pathways’ Seminar was held on December 2 at Education City Stadium. Organised in collaboration with Qatar Foundation, QVA and the FIVB, it featured international administrators, Olympians and Olympic medallists, who came together to discuss important topics surrounding women’s roles in sports.On December 3 a mass participation volleyball event was held for more than 100 children at the Al Gharafa Beach Complex.

Qatar’s duo of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan delivered a stellar performance winning both their matches on the opening day of the Beach Pro Tour Finals 2024 at Aspire Zone on Wednesday.With two consecutive victories in Pool A, the former World No 1 pair now occupy the second spot in the Pool A, with two more matches remaining in the preliminary round.In their first match against the reigning world champions Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner of Czech Republic, the Qatari duo fought back after dropping the first set 22-20 as they found their rhythm to claiming the next two sets 21-15 and 15-12.In their second match in front of the home fans, Younousse and Tijan overturning a first-set deficit to beat Italy’s four-time Olympian, Rio 2016 Games silver medallist Paolo Nicolai and his partner Samuele Cottafava 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-9).The Qatari pair will next take on Paris Olympic silver medallists Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler of Germany at 4pm on Thursday in their third pool match, before winding up the pool stage with another blockbuster clash against the world’s number four team and former chart leaders Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot of the Netherlands at 8pm. The biggest Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour event of the year, the 2024 Doha finals sees a really stellar line up of 10 of the best teams in the world, and continues until Saturday, December 7.In the women’s Terese Cannon & Megan Kraft made a solid start to the Doha Finals, producing two straight-set victories on opening day and were the only women’s team to do so. Eighth-seeded Cannon and Kraft started their Pool A campaign with an emphatic 2-0 (21-16, 21-10) shutout of fourth-seeded Brazilians Agatha Bednarczuk and Rebecca Cavalcanti. Dominating both in attack and in serving, the two Americans contributed 18 points apiece to the victory. Cannon & Kraft were just as convincing in their second match, when they hammered out a 2-0 (21-18, 21-10) upset of top-seeded Latvians Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova. Cannon added the block as one of the team’s big weapons in this match, raising five stuffs towards a 19-point match high.The other two Pool A matches were both pushed to tie-breaker resolutions. First, Tina and Anastasija opened their campaign with a 2-1 (19-21, 22-20, 15-11) comeback against 10th-seeded Italians Valentina Gottardi and Reka Orsi Toth. Orsi Toth was on fire in attack with 21 points and from the serving line with five aces. Anastasija also spiked 21 points in offence while Tina produced six kill blocks towards their success, facilitated by abundant Italian errors.Agatha & Rebecca suffered a second defeat on Wednesday, this time at the hands of fifth-seeded Xue Chen & Xia Xinyi of China. Xue’s impenetrable block produced seven kill blocks and her serve delivered four aces, while Xia’s offensive effort achieved a match-high 25 points towards a 2-1 (18-21, 21-14, 15-12) comeback victory.Four different teams came up with one win each in Pool B on Wednesday, while young Spanish Olympians Daniela Alvarez & Tania Moreno conceded two defeats.After a 2-1 (21-16, 18-21, 15-9) battle, third-seeded Katja Stam & Raisa Schoon of the Netherlands got back at the Spaniards for the Paris Olympic eighth final defeat. Stam was the best scorer of the match with 22 points.At the same time on centre court, Paris 2024 silver medallists Melissa Humana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson of Canada, seeded ninth, squeezed out a narrow 2-1 (16-21, 21-13, 17-15) comeback against second-seeded Germans Svenja Muller & Cinja Tillmann. Later in the day, the German duo bounced back with a 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) win over seventh-seeded Alvarez & Moreno. In each of the two games, Muller produced a 25-point match high, including four blocks and two aces.

Teenaged Iranian FIDE Master Reza Mahdavi on Wednesday posted his second successive win as he beat Mexico’s Sion Radamantys Galaviz Medina on day two of the at Qatar Masters at Aspire Zone Hall.The 16-year-old Iranian, who tops the rankings after round two, on Tuesday stunned Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan for his first win in Doha. Mahdavi leads a group of 16 players with 2 points after the second round.Top seed Arjun Erigaisi of India shared points against Murtas Kazhgaleyev of Kazakhstan. On Tuesday, Arjun beat Mukhammadali Abdurakhmonov of Uzbekistan. Recently Erigaisi made history by becoming only the second Indian, after the legendary Vishwanathan Anand, and only the 16th in the world to breach the elite 2800 ELO rating barrier.Abdusattorov, ranked 6th in the world, on Wednesday drew with UAE’s Omran al-Hosani, ranked 135th as both picked up half points each.Iranian GM Parham Maghsoodloo and compatriot FIDE Master Artin Ashraf shared points on day two of the tournament being hosted by Qatar Chess Association (QCA). Qatar International Master Husain Aziz on Wednesday lost to Uzbekistan’s Abdimalik Abdisalimov, ranked 35th. Also on Wednesday, UAE’s Grandmaster AR Saleh Salem beat Poland’s Oliwia Kiolbasa. Hamad al-Tamimi, Executive Director of QCA and Tournament Director, expressed his delight after witnessing ‘strong competition’ in what is the fourth edition of the hugely popular FIDE tournament. The event has attracted a star line-up of players, including 50 international masters.Al-Tamimi highlighted several key matches on Wednesday, such as the clash between top-ranked Erigaisi and Kazakh player Kazhgaleyev, as well as the encounter between Egypt’s Adham Fawzi and Russian Andrey Esipenko thrilled those watching live action. “Despite some surprise results, including the loss of world number six Abdusattorov on Tuesday, the tournament has showcased high-level chess,” al-Tamimi said on Wednesday.Al-Tamimi thanked the Ministry of Sports and Youth for their support in organising the event. He also thanked the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for their involvement in the chess project in schools, which aims to promote the sport among young people.Meanwhile, Qatari national team player Khaled al-Jumaat, who recently won the Arab Championship, is participating in the International B Championship being staged on the sidelines of the Qatar Masters. Khalid said he anticipates tough competition but is optimistic about his ‘performance’ and hopes ‘to improve his international ranking’.

Defending world chess champion Ding Liren and teenage challenger Gukesh Dommaraju played to a fifth consecutive draw on Wednesday, with neither player taking the lead after eight games.Both players were deadlocked at 4.0 points each in the first-ever World Championship encounter between two Asian players, as the 14-match tournament went past the halfway mark.For the second game in a row, Gukesh appeared to give up a strong position during the middlegame by playing a series of inaccurate moves.However, the Indian teenager rejected Ding’s offer of a draw after 41 moves and played some attacks during the endgame in an attempt to get a result.But the Chinese grandmaster fended off the offensive and the players eventually shook hands on another draw after 51 moves.Gukesh admitted that he was not aware of his perilous position when he rejected the draw and immediately put Ding under check.“I didn’t think I was in much danger,” said the 18-year-old, who played with the black pieces.“I always thought that in my position, maybe I would have some chances but it was just a misjudgement of the position.”Ding for his part rued his inability to press home his advantage.“Today during the game, I didn’t realise that I was winning at some point,” said the 32-year-old.“I think he missed some important details which let me get back into the game but before that he was totally outplaying me again.“Actually I didn’t feel too nervous during the game but I felt uncomfortable out of the open.”Game nine of the series will take place at Resorts World Sentosa today.Ding, who beat Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi to become the world champion in Kazakhstan last year, defeated Gukesh in 42 moves in the opening game.But the Indian teenager drew level by winning game three as Ding lost on timing after he was unable to play his first 40 moves in 120 minutes.The first player to get 7.5 points will be declared the winner.Tie breaks will take place if the players are tied on seven points after 14 games.At his age, Gukesh is the youngest player in history to compete in the World Championship and he is looking to surpass Garry Kasparov as the youngest undisputed world chess champion.

Nabeel Al Rayyan of Al Marroona Stud won gold in the Stallions 11+ Years Old class while Salomeh, owned by Abdullah Salem al-Hajri, claimed top honours in Mares 11+ Years Old category as Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) 1st Al Rayyan National Peninsula Arabian Horse Show 2024 concluded with some majestic and graceful performances of horses from Qatari farms and individual owners.The third and final day of the show at the outdoor arena of Qatar Equestrian Federation also saw Dhari Alzobair of Fuwairit Stud win gold in Stallions 7-10 Years Old category. RB Suhail of Al Jaham won gold in Stallions 4-6 Years Old category. Ehsan Al Shahania, owned by Saef Mohammed al-Hajri, was best in Mares 7-10 Years Old category while Attar Al Arab, owned by Mohamed Jassim KA al-Kuwari, won gold in Mares 4-6 Years Old class.RESULTSMares 4-6 Years Old: Gold: Attar Al Arab (Owned by Mohamed Jassim KA al-Kuwari); Silver: Farha Ainain (Owned by Abdulla Jassim Mohammed al-Buainain); Bronze: Hawa Al Rayyan (Owned by Ali Abdullah AA al -Kaabi).Mares 7-10 Years Old: Gold: Ehsan Al Shahania (Owned by Saef Mohammed al-Hajri); Silver: Shahrazad Al Waab (Owned by Abdulla Saeed MA al-Hajri); Bronze: Anood Jathab of Jathan Arabians.Mares 11+ Years Old: Gold: Salomeh (Owned by Abdullah Salem al-Hajri); Silver: Tbrah Al Shaqab of Al Sraiya Stud; Bronze: Smissma Al Nasser (Owned by Mesfer Mohammed MA al-Hajri).Stallions 4-6 Years Old: Gold: RB Suhail of Al Jaham Stud; Silver: Afas Al Rayyan of Al Sraiya Stud; Bronze: Al Adeed Laffan (Owned by Jassim Kayed M al-Muhannadi).Stallions 7-10 Years Old: Gold: Dhari Alzobair of Fuwairit Stud; Silver: Hakeem Al Waab (Owned by Mrs. Khulud Abdulla AA al-Rabeea); Bronze: Masrour Al Waab of Al Hamad Stud.Stallions 11+ Years Old: Gold: Nabeel Al Rayyan of Al Marroona Stud; Silver: Mohaned Al Waab (Owned by Abdullah Saad Hilal al-Mohannadi); Bronze: Haisam Al Maha of Al Yasra Stud.

Novak Djokovic will begin his 2025 season and bid for an 11th Australian Open title at the Brisbane International, it was announced on Wednesday, with the Serbian superstar now coached by Andy Murray.The 37-year-old is targeting a record 25th Grand Slam crown after failing to add to the total during a frustrating 2024, although he did win Olympic singles gold in Paris.The ATP-WTA event runs December 29-January 5, with the Australian Open to begin on January 12. “I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena,” said Djokovic.“I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember.”Should he win, it would be his 100th career title, just the third man in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to achieve the feat.Djokovic was beaten in the Australian Open semi-finals this year by eventual champion Jannik Sinner with his failure to lift another major leaving him tied with Margaret Court on a record 24 Grand Slam singles crowns.In a bid to surpass her in Melbourne, he has teamed up with long-time rival and the now-retired Murray.The Brisbane tournament will also mark the return to competitive tennis of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who has played just one ATP Tour singles match in two years after knee, foot and wrist injuries.Other men’s players starting their year in Brisbane include Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Berrettini.Reigning Australian Open women’s champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka had previously announced she too would start her season at the Queensland Tennis Centre.Three other top-10 players including Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Daria Kasatkina will also play, as will former Brisbane champion Victoria Azarenka.A host of other players have opted to start their year at the mixed-teams United Cup in Sydney and Perth, including women’s world number two Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini.Men’s world number two Alexander Zverev and fourth-ranked Taylor Fritz have also signed up for the United Cup.

FC Ravshan stunned Qatar’s Al Wakrah 2-0 to end their AFC Champions League Two Group A campaign with a solitary win on Wednesday. The Tajikistan side bowed out of the tournament after finishing third in the standings with Al Wakrah – on four points – having already confirmed their knockout stage spot ahead of the match.Al Wakrah got in the groove quickly with Moayed Hassan’s long range attempt having to be parried away by Ravshan keeper Yevhen Hrytsenko. The Qatar side tested Ravshan again in the 15th minute after Alexander Scholz sent a deep lob to Moayed Hassan, whose volleyed attempt from inside the area was denied by Hrytsenko. Ravshan’s efforts barely troubled the home side with Sorbon Ghiyosov, Muhammadjon Rahimov and Masrur Kiyomidinov all failing to find the target from distance.Both teams toiled in front of goal with Al Wakrah’s Omar al-Osad seeing his shot from above the box blocked, while Mawutor failed to test the Iraqi side following a counter-attacking sequence as Ravshan failed to get a single shot on target in the first half. Al Wakrah came close to taking the lead in the 50th minute after Farid Boulaya sent a cross into the box for Nasser al-Yazidi, whose headed attempt from close range was foiled by Hrytsenko.The Tajikistan side, yet to register a point, stunningly took the lead five minutes later after Sorbon Ghiyosov broke free down the right flank with a surging run before setting up Azizbek Khaitov to strike past keeper Omair al-Sayed. The visitors came close to doubling their advantage in the 61st minute after Masrur Kiyomidinov set up an unmarked Mawutor, only for the midfielder to strike the crossbar.Ravshan exploited Al Wakrah’s weaker right flank with Matic dispossessing Farid Boulaya before striding down and laying the ball for Amirdzhon Safarov to strike home in the 81st minute.