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Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.
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Sport

Gulf Times

Alcaraz to make Qatar ExxonMobil Open debut

Alcaraz, currently ranked World No 3, will compete in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2025. Scheduled from February 17-22, the ATP 500 tournament will take place on the hard courts of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and will feature a stellar lineup of the world’s best tennis players.The 21-year-old Alcaraz is eager to begin his 2025 campaign with a strong showing in his debut appearance in Qatar. A four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, claiming titles at French Open and Wimbledon. He also triumphed at the Indian Wells Masters and the ATP 500 event in Beijing, while earning a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics — cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest talents.Tournament Director Karim Alami expressed his delight over Alcaraz’s participation, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome Carlos Alcaraz to Doha for the first time, especially as the Qatar ExxonMobil Open enters a new era as an ATP 500 event. His presence reflects the tournament’s growing prestige on the global tennis stage. Alcaraz is a phenomenal young talent whose skill and charisma are sure to ignite excitement among fans and elevate the competitive spirit of this year’s event. We look forward to an unforgettable tournament.”Alami also acknowledged the pivotal role of ExxonMobil Qatar as the title sponsor, thanking them for their unwavering support in enhancing the tournament’s profile and ensuring its continued success as a marquee event in the region.Rashid bin Rashid al-Hajri, Vice-President and Manager of Government and Public Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar, shared his excitement, stating: “We are excited to welcome Carlos Alcaraz to the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2025, now recognised as an ATP 500 event. His first appearance in Doha adds a special element to this year’s competition.”He added: “Alcaraz is a fan favourite, and we eagerly anticipate seeing him in action at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex. We remain committed to working with the Qatar Tennis Federation to deliver a memorable experience for players and fans alike.”The 2025 edition of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open is headlined by World No 1 Jannik Sinner, along with other top-ranked players, promising an electrifying week of tennis action.This year marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s history, with its elevation to ATP 500 status after 32 years. The upgrade is accompanied by increased prize money, solidifying the event’s status as a premier tennis competition.

Gulf Times

India medical team rules out Shami for Australia Tests

New Delhi: Cricket powerhouse India suffered a blow yesterday when a medical team ruled out pacer Mohammed Shami’s participation in the final two matches of the ongoing five-match series against hosts Australia.Shami has missed the first three matches of the series - locked at 1-1 - but was expected to join the Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the Boxing Day Test.The right-arm pacer has been on a road to recovery and has played a few domestic matches since his right heel surgery, which kept him away from international cricket for months.“However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload,” Devajit Saikia of the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement yesterday.Both Indian fans and critics expected Shami to join Bumrah, rated as one of the best fast bowlers of this generation, for the final two games. Bumrah has stood out for his match-turning performances in Australia but critics have argued that he has lacked support from the other end in Shami’s absence.“Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his (Shami’s) knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads,” Saikia added.“Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”Earlier, India’s ace off spinner-all rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced a sudden retirement after the third game.With series on the line, Australia have added teenage opener Sam Konstas to the squad for the first time.The 19-year-old is poised to open alongside veteran Usman Khawaja - twice his age at 38 - at a sold-out Melbourne Cricket Ground after Nathan McSweeney was axed after just three Tests.

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