Asian Telegraph Qatar, led by veteran journalist Ashraf Siddiqui, is a trusted news platform focused on Qatar’s contributions to global peace, economic growth, education, and youth development.
Featuring insights from international journalists, it covers local and global events in business, culture, sports, and more, offering readers balanced perspectives on both Qatar and world affairs.
World No.1 Iga Swiatek successfully defended her title at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Saturday, sweeping past fourth-ranked Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-0 in the Doha final.
No.1 seed Swiatek topped No.2 seed Pegula to capture her first Hologic WTA Tour title of the year, and the 12th title of her career overall. Swiatek dropped only five games all week en route to the title.
"I'm really happy that I could kind of find more balance, comparing to how I felt at the beginning of the season," Swiatek said, after her win. "I think this tournament is going to give me a lot of confidence, but still, I want to take everything step by step. I'm just really happy that I could win this match today."horter, or on the other hand, play with more topspin so the wind is going to kind of take this ball even further," Swiatek said.
"So today I just kind of continued that, but I didn't really want to overanalyze that, and I just kind of played how my intuition told me. It's nice, because usually I'm basing everything on my tactics and on the technique that I'm working on. But here I felt like I could just reset that and play more freely without overthinking."
Swiatek had already lost to Pegula this year at United Cup, but the No.1 seed overwhelmingly avenged that defeat in the 1-hour and 9-minute Doha final. Swiatek now holds a 5-2 lead over Pegula in their head-to-head.
For the second year in a row, Doha is the site of Swiatek’s first title of the season. Last year, her Doha title run was the start of something big -- a 37-match winning streak, culminating in her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
Swiatek also becomes the first player to defend a Hologic WTA Tour singles title since she won her second straight Rome title in May of last year.
Every game I was really focused, and that's the thing I'm most happy about, because at the beginning of the season I felt like my mind was kind of flying away sometimes," Swiatek said. "But here, the work we have put in with my coach on court and with Daria off the court, for sure, it just paid off, and I felt like everything is clicking."
Ankara, 17 Feb 2023 (Anadolu News)
Pakistan's prime minister plans to meet with tent manufacturers in his country in order to provide more shelter to people in southern Türkiye, where millions have been displaced by last week's massive twin earthquakes.
Shehbaz Sharif, who was in Türkiye after the magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes that struck the country on Feb. 6 and affected more than 13 million people across 11 provinces, told Anadolu in an exclusive interview that when he returns to Pakistan on Friday, he will meet with manufacturers and task them to produce winterized tents "as quickly as possible with the highest quality."
“And they will have to honor their commitments because our brothers and sisters in Türkiye are in dire need of tents,” Sharif pledged.
“We hope that by the end of this month, we will be able to send something like 1,300 tons of relief goods,” he said, adding that “in March, another 1700 tons and in April, about 600 tons of relief goods to be sent, with the bulk of this being winterized tents.”
Sharif said Pakistan and Türkiye “are like two souls and one heart,” adding that he immediately called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he heard about the earthquakes to offer condolences and whatever help his country needs during this difficult time.
“But this devastation is beyond imagination. It's a colossal loss. So, no amount of aid would be enough,” said Sharif.
“So, ever since, we have been able to transport more than 500 tons of relief goods for our Turkish brothers, particularly those affected by these shocks in the south of Türkiye, in the form of winterized tents, blankets, and other relief items, as well as rescue and medical teams,” he said.
“And I'm glad to share with you that our team was able to rescue at least 14 people from the rubble… Alhamdulillah, they're alive,” he added.
Sharif said Pakistan and Türkiye are like a family and “we will live and die together. That is a spirit. That is the motivation. That is the relationship, and it goes back to centuries.”
Türkiye aided Pakistan in the past
He said whenever Pakistan needed assistance, the Turkish government, people, and President Erdogan "went the extra mile to help their brothers and sisters, whether it was an earthquake in 2005, floods in 2010, or floods last year in Pakistan."
When floods hit Pakistan in 2010, Erdogan personally visited affected areas and Turkish organizations helped with rebuilding efforts, he added.
“And my sister, Madam Emine Erdogan, contributed her bracelet for the flood victims. What else can be the best example of generosity, and the highest level of empathy? It can only be done by brothers and sisters. That is spirit,” the prime minister said.
In this spirit of solidarity, Sharif called on Pakistanis to stand in complete solidarity with Türkiye.
Members of the Pakistani cabinet and parliament also donated a month's salary to earthquake victims, he added.
Urgent OIC meeting stressed
The Pakistan prime minister also suggested that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convene an emergency meeting to discuss and decide on an “immediate relief package for the people of Türkiye.”
"The international community must play a role. Because today is Türkiye, but God forbid, tomorrow could be another country. Today, Türkiye requires international support. Tomorrow, someone else may be in desperate need, and we will all pitch in to help," he said.
“We must do everything we can for the well-being of the people of Türkiye,” he stressed.
Sharif also said Turkish people raised nearly $6 billion through an aid campaign that was broadcasted on Turkish TV channels, calling it a “remarkable example of generosity, philanthropy, kind-heartedness, and consideration.”
“I think the people of Türkiye have earned the highest respect, not only from the people of Pakistan but globally. So, I think it's high time that the international community should come forward.”
Ankara, 16 Feb. 2023 (Anadolu News)
At least 36,187 people were killed and over 108,000 injured by the two strong earthquakes that jolted southern Türkiye last week, the country's disaster agency said on Thursday in the latest figures from the natural disaster.
The Feb. 6 magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, affected more than 13 million people across 11 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, Sanliurfa, and Elazig.
Several countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon, also felt the strong tremors that struck Türkiye in the space of less than 10 hours.
More than 253,000 search and rescue personnel are currently working in the field, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) said in a statement. At least 216,347 people have been evacuated from the quake-hit regions so far, AFAD added.
Condolences have poured in from around the world expressing solidarity with Türkiye, with many countries sending rescue teams and aid.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Thursday said a total of 7,098 foreign personnel from 74 nations are currently continuing their efforts in the field.
Air bridge for life
Psychosocial support was provided to a total of 422,844 people, including 332,049 in the earthquake zone and 90,795 outside it.
Besides rescue teams, 3.2 million blankets, 283,410 tents, food, and psychological support teams were also sent to the affected areas, along with over 12,500 vehicles, including excavators, tractors, and bulldozers.
More than 2.6 million blankets and 48,271 housing container units have been sent to the 10 worst-hit provinces, said AFAD.
After the initial earthquake, an air bridge was established by the Turkish Armed Forces to deliver relief supplies and search and rescue teams to the region.
A large fleet of aircraft, including A-400Ms, carried search and rescue teams and vehicles to the region. Ambulance planes also use the air bridge.
Rescue and relief personnel and materials were sent to the region with 121 helicopters and 75 aircraft, AFAD said. A total of 26 ships were also assigned to the region for shipping personnel and aid supplies and for evacuating people.
More building contractors detained across Türkiye in wake of twin quakes
More contractors and others responsible for poorly constructed buildings that collapsed and caused heavy casualties in last week’s devastating earthquakes were detained across Türkiye on Thursday, sources said.
In southern Kahramanmaras province’s Turkoglu district, three people were detained within the scope of an investigation regarding buildings that caved in due to the Feb. 6 twin quakes, which have killed over 38,000 people and left over 108,000 others injured.
Another five contractors were detained in Istanbul on the grounds of "killing by negligence" under the coordination of the Kahramanmaras Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Two more people suspected of being involved in defective construction work were detained in southeastern Osmaniye province. Meanwhile, in southern Adana province, the number of people detained over faulty building work increased to 12.
Separately, two suspects, one of whom is a contractor, were arrested in southeastern Sanliurfa province in an investigation into the collapse of a building that claimed 17 lives. Similarly, a civil engineer who designed a defective building in Sanliurfa’s Haliliye district was also apprehended. The structure's sudden collapse killed 14 people.
Doha, 16 Feb. 2023 (WTA)
World No.1 Iga Swiatek made a triumphant return to competition at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open. Swiatek raced past No.42 Danielle Collins 6-0, 6-1 and is into the semifinals after her quarterfinal opponent Belinda Bencic withdrew from the tournament due to fatigue.
Last season, Swiatek kicked off her 37-match win streak in Doha, where she captured her first WTA 1000 hard-court title. Playing her first match since the Australian Open, the reigning champion showed no signs of rust against Collins, as she built a 3-0 lead after just 10 minutes and pocketed the opening set in just 21 minutes.
No.8 seed Veronika Kudermetova booked her place in the Qatar TotalEnergies Open semifinals with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 win over No.4 seed Coco Gauff in 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Kudermetova, 25, also reached the last four at Adelaide 2 in January. She will bid to reach her first final since Istanbul last April against No.1 seed Iga Swiatek, who received a walkover from No.7 seed Belinda Bencic. Kudermetova is yet to win a set from Swiatek in two previous encounters.
The result was Kudermetova's first win over a Top 10 player since her defeat of Ons Jabeur in the San Jose quarterfinals last year, and her 11th in total. Her season record is now 9-3.
Dealing with challenging conditions was a key aspect of the match. Swirling wind caused the ball to move in unexpected ways, and rallies were frequently decided by who could control their technique better in the face of this.
Ultimately, it was Kudermetova's steady, but still aggressive, approach that won out. The World No.11 tallied an even 18 winners to 18 unforced errors, and her ratio remained consistent in all three sets.
By contrast, Gauff's form oscillated more. The American teenager came out on top of several superb improvised points in the second set, finding a series of lobs and passes to deny Kudermetova as she found 13 winners to four unforced errors. However, the first and third sets saw her total 19 unforced errors.
Jessica Pegula is making the most of her second chance in Doha. A day after saving two match points in a thrilling three-set victory over Jelena Ostapenko, the No.2 seed was at her efficient best in a 6-3, 6-2 win over Beatriz Haddad Maia in Thursday's quarterfinals where she will face No.5 seed Maria Sakkari.
Doha, 15 Feb. 2023 (QT)
BY ASHRAF SIDDIQUI
Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), in cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Development Program, League of Arab States and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), will hold a conference on climate change and human rights from February 21 to 22.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the event, NHRC Deputy Chairman Dr Mohamed bin Saif Al Kuwari said more than 300 representatives of countries, international organisations, think tanks, universities, national human rights institutions, civil society organisations and experts will be participating in the two-day conference.
The speakers will include Michel Forst, Larbi Djacta, Mikko Otani, Rafel Yassen Khedr, Auajjar Mohamed, Dr. Elasto Hilarious, Raquel Caballero de Guevara and Max Tunon.
The conference is conveyed to discuss climate change issues from a human rights perspective, and will come up with concrete recommendations for rights-based climate action for the benefit of all.
Kuwari said the conference aims to emphasize the importance of rights-based climate action, highlight good practices relevant to Qatar and other actors and partners, including governments, the UN, Civil society organizations and institution.
He added that recommendations will be made to enhance cooperation to support rights-based climate action all over the world, especially in the Middle East and North Africa region. The established scientific facts confirmed that the climate changes witnessed by the planet are caused by human activity represented by the high percentage of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,
Kuwari said, pointing out that these gases began to gradually decrease after the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which came into
force on January 1, 1989.
The NHRC deputy chairman said the ozone hole began to recover and narrow according to international observatories, adding that climate changes also caused many natural disasters, such as droughts, hurricanes, floods, etc, but the most severe and destructive disasters, according to scientists’ estimation is the melting
of ice, which could cause sea level rise by between 40 and 60cm on average by 2050.
He highlighted that these variables could affect global food security through the drying up of wetlands, and thus the decrease in agricultural yields, in addition to the spread of some diseases and epidemics that could be caused by a rise in temperature.
Islamabad, 15 Feb 2023
Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-23 organised by Pakistan Navy culminated in the North Arabian Sea with a powerful conduct of International Fleet Review (IFR) followed by spectacular forming up of AMAN Formation comprising Pakistan Navy and foreign naval ships. Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif graced the occasion as Chief Guest
.During Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN 2023, 50 countries participated with their Naval warships, aircraft, Special Operation Forces and a large number of observers
Upon arrival onboard Pakistan Navy Ship MOAWIN, Prime Minister was received by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi. Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Rana Tanveer, SAPM to PM Fahad Hussain, Governor Sindh, Chief Minister Sindh, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff were also present on the occasion.
In addition, ambassadors, high commissioners, senior military officers, Defence & Naval Attaches from various countries also witnessed the fleet review.
The Chief Guest observed various naval operational manoeuvres and drills conducted during IFR.
The Fleet Review also featured an impressive Fly Past by Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and participating foreign aircraft followed by Man & Cheership by participating ships.
The mega exercise culminated with the participating ships forming up in traditional `AMAN Formation' to signify collective resolve 'Together for Peace'.
The Prime Minister lauded Pakistan Navy for successfully hosting Exercise AMAN-23 for promoting peace and security in the region.
The Chief Guest thanked the participating regional and extra-regional navies for displaying their commitment to collaborative maritime security and joining hands for peaceful co-existence. The Prime Minister emphasized that AMAN-23 will pave the way to make the region more peaceful and secure with combined efforts by all stakeholders.
The Chief of the Naval Staff thanked the honourable Prime Minister for gracing the International Fleet Review with his presence.
The Naval Chief assured that Pakistan Navy will continue to play a dynamic role in enhancing regional maritime security individually and in collaboration with partner navies.
Naval Chief also highlighted that successful conduct of PIMEC 23 held in tandem with Multinational Exercise Aman 23 is a manifestation of PN resolve to promote maritime potential of Pakistan.
During the exhibition around 20 MoUs, 01 Joint Venture and 01 sale/purchase agreement of export of iron ore were signed.
Director General Public Relations (Navy)
Islamabad, 14 Feb 2023
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and Legal Forum for Kashmir (LFK) on behalf of the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir announced its first batch of emergency assistance to Turkey and Syria for relief and rescue operation.
Today, in a press conference in Islamabad (Pakistan), the leaders of both organizations expressed their condolence with the people of Turkey and Syria.
Talking to media Ghulam Muhammad Safi introduced Syed Ali Geelani Rescue and Relief Organization. He stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can well understand the pain that our brethren are going through in Turkey and Syria. "Although we don't have much resources to aid people in such a devastating calamity but remaining silent is also not an option," he further said. We have already sent our aid there and will inform you once we arrive there.
Convenor All Parties Hurriyet Conference Mehmood Ahmad Sagar while talking to media said that APHC In collaboration with Legal Forum For Kashmir (LFK) have decided to work together in this relief and rescue operation in the earthquake hit region.
" Our people, including students from both parts of Jammu and Kashmir, are already on the forefront of relief and rescue operation in Turkeya" Sagar added.
Sheikh Abdul Mateen, General Secretary APHC, and Imtiaz Wani Information Secretary APHC also spoke on the occasion.
Meanwhile, APHC AJK Secretary General Sheikh Abdul Mateen has condemned illegal sealing of house in Srinagar of senior leader Shabbir Ahmad Shah, presently in notorious Tihar Jail Delhi, Indian Capital city. He said that such cowardly, inhuman and anti human rights actions cannot damage the freedom movement in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Doha, 12 Feb 2023 (GECF)
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) launched recently the latest edition of its annual Global Gas Outlook 2050 (Outlook), in the presence of the 2023 President of the GECF, HE Gabriel M. Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
The key findings show that by 2050:
Global GDP will more than double, from US$ 95 trillion today to US$ 210 trillion in real term
Population growth will see 1.8 billion additional people in 2050 with most of this rise taking place in Africa and the Asia Pacific
Energy demand is expected to rise by 22% by 2050
Natural gas’ share in the energy mix will go from 23% today to 26% in 2050
Natural gas supply will increase by 36%
Natural gas trade will expand by more than a third, led by LNG, which will overtake pipeline trade by 2026
Upstream investment required over the forecast period is a hefty US$9.7 trillion
GECF President Lima said: “The GECF Global Gas Outlook 2050, has become over the years an essential consultation tool for the natural gas industry, governments, academic institutions such as universities and for the general public, which makes me congratulate the entire GECF team that has worked for the edition of this consultation and management tool.”
Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the GECF, emphasised that all energy sources and technologies will be required to satisfy the world’s growing energy needs, while improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Hamel said: “The uncertainties have never been so large, and the challenges so profound. What is nevertheless clearer, and more crucial, is the energy trilemma: how to ensure a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system over the short- to long-term? What steps should be taken to ensure that energy is available for socio-economic development, while concurrently protecting the environment?”
The Outlook seeks to answer these pressing questions by examining the global and regional economic growth prospects, demand and supply of energy, natural gas trade and investment, the effects of policies, technological developments, and various other drivers.
Meanwhile, the two newly-developed alternative energy scenarios of Energy Sustainability Scenario and Accelerated Energy De-carbonisation Scenario consider ending energy poverty and promoting economic growth in Africa, and possible pathways for faster global de-carbonisation, respectively.
About Gas Exporting Countries Forum:
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) is an international governmental organisation currently comprising 19member countries: Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates,and Venezuela as Members, and Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mozambique, Norway, and Peru as Observers.Together, the GECF member countries represent 72% of the global proven gas reserves, 44% of marketed production, 56% of exports by pipeline and 52% as LNG.
The GECF is headquartered in Doha, Qatar.
Doha, 13 Feb. 2023
19th annual luxury Doha Jewellery and Watches exhibition will be held from February 20 - 25 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The annual luxury exhibition is organized by Qatar Tourism and Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC).
The exhibition will display around 500 world brands, designers and local Qatari brands, giving visitors opportunity to explore the latest brands from all over the world, in Qatar. It was announced at a press conference recently by Akbar Al Baker, Chairman, Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive
Pre-event press briefing was held at the Fairmont Hotel, Lusail City, Qatar.
Qatar National Bank (QNB) is official sponsor and Qatar Airways as the official airline partner. DJWE 2023 will witness music created by famed Qatari composer Dana Al Fardan.
Spanning over 33,000 m2, the most prominent jewellers from Qatar and the world will introduce new brands, limited edition collections and extraordinary showpieces.
Akbar Al Baker, Chairman, Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive said on the occasion that 'Qatar’s contemporary, yet classic, approach to luxury and style has made DJWE the flagship event it is today – a show stopping occasion that captures regional and global imaginations on an annual basis. He disclosed a 256 carat hallmark flower shape collection will also be displayed during DJWE.
He said that every year, DJWE provides thousands of visitors the opportunity to admire hundreds of priceless pieces up-close and meet some of the world’s most respected designers. This year we expect more than 30,000 visitors from around the world to come and view leading jewellery brands reveal their latest collections at DJWE.”
Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB said, 'QNB Group is proud of its participation as the official sponsor to the 19th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, which has become a banner for luxury and elegance in Qatar and the region'.
He said that 'Sponsoring this event is an annual tradition that the Bank maintains and that demonstrates our commitment to support national events and implement the Qatar National Vision 2030 which aims to diversify the local economy. In addition, our participation provides an important opportunity to position the QNB brand among the world’s finest and can encourage the local brands which are taking up a greater role in in the exhibition. We hope that the exhibition will continue its success as an annual event that is highly anticipated by jewellery and luxury watch enthusiasts in the region'.
A special array of extremely rare and exquisite pearls was presented as a demonstration of the brand’s commitment to the recurring exhibition. The pearls are exclusive from the Hussein Alfardan Gallery, a personal collection of natural pearls and part of Alfardan Jewellery.
Latest designs by the uniquely Qatari concept, Papillon Jewellery, launched in 2011 by Noora Al Ansari, the creative force behind the brand were also displayed during the press conference.
AlBaker announced that first ever time, regional giant Damas Jewellery will reveal their mesmerizing Alif collection, a selection of exceptional high-end pieces and unique jewellery creations.
In addition, Louis Vuitton will showcase for the first time in DJWE their “Fantasy necklace,” a must-see 2.56-carat Monogram flower-cut diamond. Also new in this year’s edition are two of Qatar Duty Free’s iconic cafés, Harrod’s Tea Rooms and Venchi, where DJWE visitors can savour delicious food and beverages.
Valentino and Qatar’s Education Above All (EAA) Foundation will reveal a limited-edition collection of Valentino accessories that carry Educate A Child's logo, helping raise funds toward the cause.
Moreover, Phillips, a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st-century art and design, will be present at this year’s DJWE. Phillips, in association with Bacs & Russo, holds the world record for the most successful watch auctions.
Central to DJWE will be a purpose-built studio on-site where numerous interviews with renowned jewellery and watch experts will take place. With content shared on YouTube, global audiences can tap into the striking conversations and ideas generated in Doha.
A new partnership under Al Darwish Jewellery will see the addition of IDT Gemological Laboratories at this year’s DJWE, allowing customers to have their jewellery examined and certified by an internationally certified institute.
The 19th edition of DJWE also sees the return of Qatar Tourism’s Qatari Designers initiative, a long-running platform demonstrating Qatar Tourism’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local, creative talent. Established in 2017, the initiative has historically provided some of the country’s most recognised contemporary jewellery and watch brands with a springboard to help elevate their developing businesses.
Additionally, the much-loved Turkish and Indian pavilions have returned this year, with vibrant stalls featuring various brands and bespoke designs that each celebrate these countries' unique heritage and culture.
Located in the heart of West Bay, DECC can be easily accessed by Doha Metro, with a direct route from Terminal 1 to the DECC Metro Station (Red Line), which has direct access to the exhibition halls.
Doha, 12 Feb. 2023 (QTF)
The draw for the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2023 was held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Saturday.
Secretary General of Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation Tariq Zainal, Tournament Director Saad Al Mohannadi, Member of Organizing Committee Karim Al Alami and Deputy VP HR, Communications & CSR at TotalEnergies Abdulla Mohsen attended the draw.
Ekaterina Alexandrova, Petra Kvitova, Ipek Oz and Danielle Collins were also present on the occasion.
The draw saw the top four seeds get a first-round bye including Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Caroline Garcia, Jessica Pegula.
Seven of the Top 10-ranked players will contest the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on hard courts starting on Monday. The tournament will run February 13-18.
The highlight of round 1 will see some thrilling matches as Turkey’s Ipek Oz will take on former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka while former Qatar TotalEnergies Open winner Petra Kvitova will meet China’s Zhang Shuai.
The 28-player draw in the second quarter has No.4 seed Coco Gauff, who has a first-round bye, and will face either Zhang Shuai or two-time Wimbledon and former Doha champion Petra Kvitova in her first match.
At the bottom of that section, No.8 seed Veronika Kudermetova will meet former Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova in the first round. The winner of that match will take on either Liudmila Samsonova or former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
The third quarter is led by No.3 seed Caroline Garcia (with a first-round bye) and No.5 seed Maria Sakkari. Sakkari has a tricky opener against Zheng Qinwen, last season’s WTA Newcomer of the Year.
The final quarter sees No.2 seed Jessica Pegula at the very bottom of the draw, with a first-round bye.
Pegula will meet either her fellow American Madison Keys or former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko in her first match.
No.6 seed Daria Kasatkina is also in the bottom quarter. Kasatkina will play a qualifier first up, with the winner of that match facing either Paula Badosa or Beatriz Haddad Maia in a tough second-rounder.
Meanwhile the qualifying rounds for the tournament are being played at the Khalifa International tennis complex.
21 year old, Warsaw born star World No. 1 and defending champion Iga Świątek of Poland leads the cast of 32 players for the singles and 16 pairs for the doubles events of the 21st edition of the WTA 500 tournament. Świątek defeated Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit in straight sets last year to lift the golden falcon trophy for the first time in her career in Doha.
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