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Enzo Fernandez fired Chelsea into the FA Cup final against Manchester City as the Argentine sealed a 1-0 win against Leeds in the Blues’ first match after Liam Rosenior’s sacking.Fernandez’s first-half header in Sunday’s semi-final
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Preparations for the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026 have entered an advanced stage, with organising committees intensifying their efforts as the countdown begins for the highly anticipated regional event, scheduled from May 11 to 22. These comprehensive preparations underline a strong commitment to delivering an exceptional edition of the Games - one that highlights Qatar’s established excellence in sports and event management, while reaffirming its proven capability to host major regional and international competitions to the highest global standards. All committees are working in close coordination to finalise logistical, technical, and organisational aspects, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike. The Games will feature elite athletes from across the Gulf Cooperation Council nations, competing in 19 sports. These include handball, table tennis, athletics, squash, padel, fencing, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards, snooker, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian, and bowling - reflecting the diversity of competition and enhancing both the sporting spectacle and fan engagement. In this regard, Mohammed Issa al-Fadala, Chairman of the Sports Committee, confirmed that technical preparations are progressing according to a carefully structured plan designed to ensure every competition is staged at the highest possible level. He noted that the committee is committed to creating the ideal environment for athletes by preparing venues to international standards and coordinating closely with sports federations to provide a world-class competitive atmosphere. For her part, Eman al-Emadi, Chairwoman of the Services Committee, said the work is continuing around the clock to deliver a seamless experience for all delegations. She said: “We are focusing on every detail related to transportation, accommodation, and hospitality, while striving to provide smooth and distinguished services that reflect Qatar’s renowned hospitality and ensure the comfort of all participants throughout the Games.” Speaking on the occasion, Salah al-Saadi, Chairman of the Venues Committee, stressed the readiness of the sporting facilities, saying: “All venues have been fully prepared to the highest specifications, with operational testing carried out to ensure complete efficiency and to deliver an integrated organizational experience for this Gulf event.” In turn, Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud al-Thani, Chairman of the Marketing and Communications Committee, confirmed that promotional activities for the Games have already begun. He explained that the marketing strategy aims to boost spectator attendance and deepen engagement with the event through innovative campaigns that highlight the importance and history of the Games, while also showcasing the athletes who will compete. The organising committee is overseeing the competitions in accordance with the highest technical and organizational standards across 10 state-of-the-art sporting venues, including Aspire Dome, the Women’s Sports Hall, the Hamad Aquatic Centre, Qatar Sports Club, the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, Al Gharafa Sports Club, the Lusail Shooting Range, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, the Qatar Bowling Federation Hall, and Al Duhail Sports Hall, ensuring a world-class hosting experience worthy of the scale of the event. Earlier, the organizing committee unveiled the official emblem of the Games, inspired by the palm tree, one of the most deeply rooted symbols of Gulf heritage and identity. The choice reflects the shared values that unite Gulf societies, including resilience, endurance, generosity, patience, and a profound connection to the land.
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Defending champions Al Sadd beat a dogged Al Shamal 3-2 on Monday to retain the Qatar Stars League (QSL) crown. Playing in front of a partisan crowd of 12,324 fans, captain Akram Afif and his powerful side dominated proceedings in both halves to clinch the QSL crown on home soil at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. It is Al Sadd’s 19th QSL title win and third in a row. Even a draw would have sealed the fate in favour of points leaders Al Sadd but they looked for goals from the get-go. A plucky effort from Afif opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Al Sadd’s first goal was followed by a slick strike from Brazilian Roberto Firmino two minutes later. Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah scored the first goal for Al Shamal in the 65th minute. Brazilian left-back Paulo Otavio added Al Sadd’s third goal two minutes later. Colombian Jeison Murillo Ceron scored off a penalty for Al Shamal in the 85th minute. Al Sadd, who signed Italian coach Roberto Mancini last November, clearly looked like a much stronger side against Al Shamal in the final match of the 2025-26 season. Former AFC Champions League winners, Al Sadd - backed by a vociferous crowd Monday - ended a satisfying season with 45 points from 22 games. Al Shamal, who were seeking their first QSL title, finished the league in second spot with impressive 40 points. Al Rayyan (38 points) finished third followed by Al Gharafa (36) in fourth. Speaking after the title triumph, Mancini, 61, said Monday: “First of all, I would like to congratulate the players, the technical and administrative staff, and Al Sadd fans on this important title. Winning the league for the third consecutive time is not easy; it is the result of daily hard work and great commitment from everyone within the team. From the beginning of the season, we knew the challenge would be difficult, but the players showed strong character and a winning mentality that helped us overcome every obstacle.” A TENSE START FOR BOTH TEAMS The match got off to a tense start for both sides. Qatar national team player Tarek Salem of Al Sadd made a poor clearance in the third minute, allowing the ball to go for the game’s first corner. As the battle gathered steam, Bounedjah got elbowed by his former Al Sadd teammate Boualem Khoukhi in the third minute. Qatar national team skipper Afif seconds later found Brazilian teammate Firmino with a long ball from the left flank but Al Sadd’s Brazilian import failed to connect from close range. In the eighth minute, keeper Meshal Barsham easily collected a weak header from Algerian star and Al Shamal skipper Bounedjah inside the Al Sadd box after an assist by Waad. Both teams looked a little rough in the first 10 minutes even as Al Sadd skipper Afif gestured to his players to calm down. In the 15th minute, Al Shamal’s Spanish midfielder Alex Collado controlled the ball for about 20 yards, then unfurled a powerful shot from the edge of the Al Sadd box but the ball missed the target. A minute later, Al Sadd’s Otavio drilled a low shot from close range, but Al Shamal keeper Babacar blocked his effort. Shortly afterwards, the script changed for Al Sadd. Al Sadd’s Afif opened the scoring in the 20th minute. After a short dribble past Musaab Khidir, Afif aimed at the goal with a low shot from inside the box but Al Shamal defender Omid Ebrahimi deflected the ball into his own net. With celebrations barely dying down in the stands after the first goal, Al Sadd doubled the lead through Firmino in the 22nd minute. Firmino latched on to a short pass from Claudinho and slipped a low ball to the right of Al Shamal keeper. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Al Shamal’s Mohamed Naceur Manai produced a slick bicycle kick from the edge of the box but Al Sadd keeper Barsham smartly collected the ball. In the 38th minute, Al Sadd could have scored their third goal but Claudinho’s powerful shot from inside the box hit the Al Shamal goalpost and ricocheted away. In injury time, Bounedjah was a fraction of a second late on a close-range shot, but Al Sadd’s Otavio blocked the move. In the last move of the first half, Bounedjah’s header from very close range - following a set piece situation - went above the Al Sadd crossbar. Four minutes into the second half, disaster struck Al Shamal when Algerian defender Abdessamed Bounacer received a red card from 2026 FIFA World Cup-bound referee Mohammed al-Jassim for a tackle on Afif. In the 56th minute, Firmino rifled in a powerful shot that narrowly missed the Al Shamal crossbar. Seconds later, Brazilian forward Giovani also took a long-range shot that keeper Babacar smartly parried away. At the one-hour mark, Al Shamal’s Omar Mohammed aimed with a left-footed drive from an acute angle inside the box but his shot slipped past the Al Sadd goalpost from close range. Bounedjah, the untiring Algerian, reduced the deficit for Al Shamal with a solo run of about 30 yards into the Al Sadd box. With Agustin Silvera shadowing Bounedjah, the Algerian quickly took aim and slipped the ball past a charging Barsham in the 65th minute. Two minutes later, Otavio delivered a low left-footed drive that went past Al Shamal keeper Babacar much to the delight of coach Manicini and the Al Sadd dugout. Al Shamal scored their second goal when Jeison Murillo converted an 85th-minute penalty. In other results Monday, Al Rayyan cruised to a 4-0 victory over Al Arabi while Al Duhail narrowly edged out Qatar SC with a 2-1 win. Al Wakrah defeated Al Sailiya 3-1 and Al Ahli also won 3-1 on the road against Umm Salal. Meanwhile, the clash between Al Gharafa and Al Shahaniya ended in a 1-1 draw. Related Story
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Gresini Racing MotoGP’s Alex Marquez celebrates after the Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez racetrack in Jerez de la Frontera, Sunday. (AFP) Alex Marquez turned his 250th Grand Prix start into a late birthday gift by winning the Spanish Grand Prix for the second straight year Sunday while watching his brother and pole sitter Marc crash out in dramatic fashion. The Gresini Racing rider, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Thursday, started fifth on the grid but quickly moved up to overtake his elder sibling before stretching clear for victory. Marc’s quest for a milestone 100th Grand Prix win across all classes came to an abrupt end on lap two when he lost control at turn 11, crashing out while chasing down his younger brother and stunning the home crowd. “Not many words to describe this moment, we struggled a lot at the beginning of the year,” Alex said. “Today, for me, it was clear - go from the first lap, pushing, trying to take the lead. From that moment, I knew that the rhythm was really good until the end.” Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi finished second for Aprilia after failing to reel in the flying Alex over 25 laps, while VR46 Racing’s Fabio di Giannantonio completed the podium to move up to third in the championship standings. Marc’s crash now leaves the reigning champion 44 points behind Bezzecchi in the championship hunt, as a first Jerez victory since 2019 remains elusive. ALEX UNBEATABLE IN DRY CONDITIONSMarc had clinched his first pole of the season before winning a chaotic sprint despite a crash in rainy conditions on Saturday, but bright sunshine welcomed the riders at the Circuito de Jerez Sunday. Alex, who had been unbeatable in dry conditions at Jerez with a 2025 setup on his Ducati, made a perfect getaway from fifth on the grid. After Marc got the jump from pole and Bezzecchi slotted in behind from the second row, Alex quickly pushed the Italian down to third before taking the lead from his brother with a dive on the inside. As the elder Marquez brother chased him, his race unravelled spectacularly on lap two when he lost the front end and crashed at turn 11, much to the dismay of the Spanish crowd. That moved Bezzecchi up to second but the Italian had his work cut out trying to close the gap as Alex continued to stretch his advantage to more than a second. Behind the leading duo, Di Giannantonio split the two Aprilias by pushing Jorge Martin down to fourth. BOTH DUCATIS FAIL TO FINISHDucati had celebrated a one-two in Saturday’s sprint but Sunday’s race came to a premature end for the Italian outfit when Francesco Bagnaia retired with a technical problem. The factory Ducati team have now gone nine races without a Grand Prix podium - their longest drought since 2014. But up front, it was all about Alex as he urged the crowd to increase their volume on the final lap - just as he did last year - before crossing the finish line and heading straight to the fans to soak up their adulation.“We struggled a bit all weekend, so it wasn’t easy and we made a good performance. I’m very happy,” said Bezzecchi. Related Story
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Hyderabad Kingsmenplayers celebrate a wicket during their PSL win against Rawalpiniz Sunday. Hyderabad Kingsmen thumped Rawalpindiz by 108 runs to displace Lahore Qalandars from the fourth spot on the points table based on better net run rate as they defended their mammoth 244-6 total here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi Sunday afternoon. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, Usman Khan and Kusal Perera’s blazing half-centuries took Kingsmen to a total well beyond the 200-run mark as they were required to win by at least 86 runs and overtake Qalandars. In turn, pacer Hunain Shah proved to be the difference as he bagged T20 career best 4-22 after Rawalpindiz were cruising at 56-1 in 5.2 overs. With 245 needed to win their second game of the tournament, the Rawalpindiz could have still ended Kingsmen’s journey in the tournament if they scored 159 or more but fell for 136 all out in 17.1 overs losing seven for 42 in 7.2 overs. Usman Khawaja, who remained 66 not out off 43 balls hitting nine fours, couldn’t find any stable partners after walking in to bat in the second over with the fall of Shahzaib Khan to Akif Javed. Khawaja and Rizwan collected 43 runs off 22 balls to scare the Kingsmen but not to be. Player of the match Hunain created impact straightaway in his first over as he removed Mohammad Rizwan (26, 15b, 4x4s) and castled Kamran Ghulam for a duck in a space of three balls. At this juncture, Sam Billings (23, 12b, 1x4, 2x6s) and Khawaja again threatened Kingsmen’s hopes with a fluent 38-run stand, which included two sixes and as many fours.Akif induced a false shot off Billings after getting hit for a six and began the rot in Rawalpindiz batting at 94-4 in 10 overs. Akif then got rid of the dangerous Dian Forrester in the 12th over after which wickets fell at regular intervals with Rawalpindiz losing five for 34. Akif picked up three for 38, while Mohammad Ali and Glenn Maxwell picked up one wicket each. Earlier, Kingsmen came out all guns blazing after they were asked to bat first and were faced with the challenge of posting a mammoth total on the board. Following skipper Marnus Labuschagne’s (5, 5b, 1x4) early departure, Maaz Sadaqat (28, 11b, 5x4s, 1x6) and Usman Khan brisk 54-runs stand to take 64 runs off the first five overs. Saim Ayub (12, 5b, 1x4, 1x6) then launched a six and a four in last over of powerplay as Kingsmen found themselves 78-2 in six overs. Usman, who contributed a fiery 54 off 26 balls, hit four fours and as many sixes in his outing. Saad Masood struck twice at the start of ninth over to remove Usman and Muhammad Irfan Khan to leave Kingsmen 119-5. With the innings on crossroads, top-scorer Maxwell (70, 37b, 8x4s, 3x6s) and Perera (50 not out, 30b, 5x4s, 1x6) came together to put on a game-changing partnership of 108 off 59 balls. Before falling on the first ball of last over, Maxwell unleashed fury on Rawalpindiz bowling attack as he hit Sears for a six and four in 11th over and two fours in 18th over, Amir for three fours in 17th over and Amad Butt for two consecutive maximums in 19th over. It was his 59th T20 half-century. Perera brought up his third HBL PSL fifty and played a supportive knock. Hassan Khan closed the innings in emphatic manner hitting Forrester for a four and two sixes on the last three balls as he finished with 16 off four. In the day’s inconsequential match Sunday, Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by four wickets as the PSL phase wrapped up before the playoffs. BRIEF SCORESHyderabad Kingsmen 244 for 6 (Maxwell 70, Usman Khan 54*, Masood 2-34) beat Rawalpindiz 136 all out (Khawaja 66*, Hunain 4-22, Javed 3-38) by 108 runsBRIEF SCORESIslamabad United 193 for 6 (Chapman 69*, Shadab 36, Akram 2-41) beat Multan Sultans 192 for 7 (Masood 44, Arafat 21, Imad 1-23) by four wickets
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Sabastian Sawe made history on Sunday by becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon as Tigst Assefa smashed her own women's-only world record on the streets of London.Kenya's Sawe came into the race
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His Excellency President of the Olympic Council of Asia Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, awarded the medals to the top three finalists of the Women's 4x60m Relay during the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, currently being held in Sanya, People's Republic of China.The Thai team won the gold medal after a remarkable performance, while the Philippines team took silver, and China finished third, earning the bronze.HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani congratulated the winners on their achievement, praising the high level of skill displayed by the competitors and the spirit of fair play that embodied the Olympic values uniting Asian athletes. He also commended the efforts of the organizing committee in ensuring the success of this major continental event.
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Ducati’s Marc Marquez pulled off an unlikely victory at the Spanish Grand Prix sprint on Saturday despite crashing in treacherous conditions before swapping bikes in a race that descended into chaos as rain wreaked havoc
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On a sweltering 41-degree day, 529 runs were plundered in 38.5 overs in a keenly awaited IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.In a match that yet again defined the modern-day scoring rate in
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Iga Swiatek was forced to retire from her Madrid Open clash with Ann Li on Saturday due to illness, sending the American 31st seed into the round of 16 of the WTA 1000 tournament.A champion
