Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi and New Zealand's Paul Coll in action, in this file photo.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is once again preparing to welcome the world’s leading squash stars as the Qatar Classic 2026 brings another week of world-class action to Doha from September 12 to 18.
The prestigious PSA World Tour Platinum event will return to the iconic Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, continuing Doha’s long-standing role as one of the sport’s premier international destinations.
The men’s draw is led by Egyptian World No.1 Mostafa Asal, who continues his Qatar Classic title chase after finishing runner-up in the last two editions. Defending champion Paul Coll will aim for his second title, but the New Zealander will be up against one of the toughest players in the draw to kick off the proceedings this time when he faces four-time Qatar Classic champion Mohamed ElShorbagy.
Former champion Diego Elias, the No.3 seed, will also be among the leading contenders and is on a collision course against Asal. If both of them reach the semis this time, it would be their fifth meeting this year.
Also present is Egyptian teenager and the current World Junior Champion Mohamad Zakaria, and his compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad of Egypt. Gawad, the 2016 winner takes on home hero Abdulla Al Tamimi in the first round.
Al Tamimi, who returned to action last month following an injury he suffered last year, will be aiming to gain his rhythm at the home event as he gears up for the Asian games which will begin later this month in Japan.
Al Tamimi is the owner of Qatar’s only squash medal at the Asian Games, a bronze which he won three years ago in China, and is among top contenders at the Aichi-Nagoya Games too.
Speaking to Qatar Olympic Committee, Al Tamimi said he is determined to use the coming period to reach his best form and challenge for a place on the podium.
“This is the beginning of my preparation for the Asian Games, and God willing, I’ll be ready by the Asian Games,” he said.
“God willing, we’ll achieve a medal and a great accomplishment for the State of Qatar,” the 31-year-old said.
In addition to Al Tamimi, Salem Al-Malki will also feature in the men’s draw at the Qatar Classic, facing France’s Melvil Scianimanico in the opening round.
Meanwhile, the women’s draw will see the return of Egyptian former World Champion and former World No.1 Nouran Gohar, who is set to compete again after spending a year away from the Tour following the birth of her first child in April.
Gohar faces a challenging opening-round meeting against compatriot Kenzy Ayman. If Gohar progresses, she is seeded to meet the defending champion Hania El Hammamy in the quarter-finals.
El Hammamy, the No.1 seed, is a two-time Qatar Classic champion, having lifted the title in 2023 and 2025.
World No.2 and reigning World Champion Amina Orfi will also be in action, alongside four-time Qatar Classic finalist Nour ElSherbini and USA No.1 Olivia Weaver is fourth.
