Doha: Khalid Al Khelaifi, member of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation, expressed his happiness and noted the strong competition between players on the first day of the QTerminals Qatar Classic. According to Qatar News Agency, Al Khelaifi stated that the Qatar Tennis and Squash Federation is proud to continue organizing one of the most prestigious international squash tournaments. The Qatar Classic is a significant event on the International Squash Federation's calendar, attracting elite players from across the continent, underscoring Qatar's esteemed position in hosting major sporting events. He mentioned that the Federation has diligently prepared all technical, organizational, and logistical arrangements to ensure the tournament is conducted at the highest standards. This includes equipping the stadiums with the latest international specifications and providing an ideal environment for players. The Federation also aimed to enhance services for fans and media profe ssionals, showcasing their extensive experience in hosting major events. Al Khelaifi highlighted the tournament's widespread public and media interest due to the strong competition among the world's top players. This gives the event a unique appeal and makes it a destination for squash enthusiasts seeking to witness high-level play. He emphasized that the presence of elite players reflects the international sports community's confidence in Qatar's organizational capabilities. Qatari player Abdullah Al Tamimi expressed his happiness after securing a victory and advancing to the second round of the tournament. He acknowledged his opponent, Ali Al Darwish, and noted that this was Al Darwish's first time competing in the tournament, which features top seeds from around the world. Al Tamimi shared that he will face French player Sebastien Bonmalais in the second round and is determined to achieve victory and progress to the final stages of the tournament. He acknowledged the strong competition among top seeds a nd world champions, noting the difficulty of winning in a major tournament like the Qatar Classic. However, he remains hopeful for success in Doha.
