2026 QTerminals Qatar Classic Kicks Off with Major Upsets

The 2026 QTerminals Qatar Classic squash tournament for men and women commenced on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Doha, Qatar. Featuring both men's and women's competitions, the prestigious event is being held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. This annual tournament, a highlight on the international squash calendar, draws top-tier talent from around the globe. The tournament is scheduled to run for a week, concluding on September 18, 2026, with matches determining the champions for both draws. Spectators are anticipated to fill the stands, eager to witness the intense competition and world-class athleticism on display.

Top Seeds Advance Amidst Surprises

Egypt's Mostafa Asal, the world No. 1 in men's squash, secured his passage into the next round by defeating Switzerland's Nicolas Mueller. Asal won the match in straight sets, 3-0, with a dominant scoreline of 11-6, 11-6, 11-4. His performance demonstrated a controlled and powerful start to his tournament campaign in Doha, signaling his intent to contend for the title.

New Zealand's Paul Coll, the current world No. 2 and defending champion of the event, also advanced with a decisive victory. Coll overcame India's Veer Chotrani in three games, recording impressive scores of 11-2, 11-3, and 11-1. His dominant display ensured a strong beginning to his title defense, showcasing the form that earned him the championship in a previous edition.

In the women's draw, the No. 2 seed, Amina Orfi, progressed after defeating fellow Egyptian Hana Ramadan. Orfi completed her victory in straight sets, winning 3-0 against her compatriot in a well-contested match. The win moves Orfi closer to the later stages of the competition, as she aims to make a deep run in the tournament.

Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam, seeded No. 4 in the tournament, secured her win over Egypt's Sana Ibrahim. Subramaniam overcame Ibrahim in four games, with the final score standing at 3-1. Her performance marked a successful start for the Malaysian player in the QTerminals Qatar Classic, demonstrating her resilience and skill on court.

Local Player's Return and Preparations

Egypt's Karim Abdel Gawad, the world No. 4 and 2014 Qatar champion, defeated Qatar's Abdulla Al Tamimi 3-1 (11-7, 15-13, 5-11, 11-8) in an opening round match. Al Tamimi received a wild card from the organizing committee, marking his return after a lengthy absence due to injury. He acknowledged the significance of the opportunity to compete at such a high level. "I was pleased to compete in Saturday's opening round of the 2026 QTerminals Qatar Classic after receiving a wild card from the tournament's organizing committee following my lengthy absence because of injury," Al Tamimi stated, expressing gratitude for the chance to play on home soil.

Al Tamimi is currently preparing for the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, scheduled in Japan from September 19 to October 4. He viewed the match against Gawad as key for his preparations, providing invaluable competitive experience against one of the world's best. "Competing today against one of the world's leading players, Karim Abdel Gawad, was extremely valuable preparation ahead of my participation with the national team at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, in Japan, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4," Al Tamimi said. He added that he would "seek to win a medal for Qatar at the Asian Games and would continue a domestic training camp with my national-team teammates before traveling to Japan," noting his commitment to national representation.

Gawad expressed appreciation for the event, noting, "Thank you to the tournament's organizing committee for an ideal event and I wish Qatar's squash players success and medals at the Asian Games in Japan." He also stated his personal ambition for the tournament, saying, "The Qatar Classic is one of the major tournaments in squash and I would seek to advance deep into the competition, expressing hope of winning the title for a second time." His comments showed the tournament's standing in the professional squash circuit and his personal aspirations.

Notable Upsets Shake Up Draw

Peru's Diego Elias, the world No. 3 and a two-time Qatar champion, was eliminated from the tournament by American Timothy Brownell. Brownell secured a stunning 3-2 victory over Elias, with set scores of 5-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, and 11-7, marking a significant upset in the men's draw. Elias, who had previously won the Qatar Classic in 2021 and 2024, faced an unexpected early exit from the competition. Brownell's determined performance captivated the audience and demonstrated the unpredictable nature of top-level squash.

In the women's competition, rising Indian player Anahat Singh delivered another surprise by defeating Egypt's Farida Mohamed, who is ranked world No. 16. Singh won the match 3-2 in a tightly contested encounter that went down to the wire. This result sends the higher-ranked Egyptian out of the tournament earlier than expected, showcasing Singh's emerging talent and competitive spirit.

Another notable upset occurred when Malaysia's Aifa Azman defeated American Marina Stefanoni. Stefanoni, the world No. 14, lost to Azman 3-1, adding to the series of unexpected outcomes on the opening day. These early results have reshaped projections for the later stages of both the men's and women's draws at the 2026 QTerminals Qatar Classic, promising an exciting and unpredictable tournament ahead. The upsets show the depth of talent across the professional squash circuit and the high stakes of every match.

Player Reactions and Tournament Significance

The tournament is well underway at the advanced Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, providing an excellent venue for the world's best squash players. In the women's singles draw, Egypt's Hania El Hammamy, the world No. 1, secured a 3-1 victory over her compatriot Hana Moataz, reaffirming her status as a top contender. The No. 3 seed, Nour El Sherbini, who was the 2024 champion, also advanced, defeating Nada Abbas 3-1 in a solid performance. Additionally, Egypt's Nouran Gohar, seeded No. 5, made a successful return to competitive play after a five-month absence due to injury. Gohar progressed to the next round with a convincing 3-0 win against Kenzy Ayman, signaling her strong comeback. The impressive performances from these top-seeded women indicate their readiness to challenge for the coveted title. The early rounds have set a compelling stage for the remainder of the 2026 QTerminals Qatar Classic, with established champions and rising stars battling for supremacy.