DOHA (Qatar): Top-ranked squash players are placed in a ‘medical bubble’ ahead of the $175,000 Qatar Classic that starts at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on November 1.
The week-long tournament will follow COVID-19 protocols with relation to health and safety, international travel policies and social distancing guidelines.
Last month, Qatar hosted two international events – the AFC Champions League West Zone matches and Doha Diamond League, where a similar medical protocol was followed.
“We’re pleased to confirm that the Qatar Classic will go ahead and I would like to thank the Qatar Squash Federation for their hard work in putting on this tournament,” said PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough.
Strict medical protocols
The Qatar Squash Federation have put in place measures and protocols to ensure the safety of players and tournament officials taking part in the tournament as per the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) guidelines.
These include mandatory COVID-19 testing, safe transportation methods, regular disinfection of the tournament venue, training and media facilities.
As per the regulations stipulated by MoPH all players and tournament officials will be tested for COVID-19 upon their arrival to Qatar at Hamad International Airport (HIA).
Players and tournament officials will be placed in a ‘medical bubble,’ limiting their movement only to and from their designated accommodation, stadium and training site.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, individuals under the same medical bubble will not be permitted to make contact with anyone outside their bubble.
Al Tamimi will meet England’s Rooney
Three-time champion Mohamed ElShorbagy along with fellow Egyptian Ali Farag leads the field which includes the likes of world champion Tarek Momen.
Qatar No.1 Abdulla Mohamed Al Tamimi lines up against England’s Patrick Rooney in round one, while his compatriot Syed Azlam Amjad takes the other wildcard spot and will play Egypt’s Mohamed ElSherbini.
French veteran and former World No.1 Gregory Gaultier has taken one of the two wildcard spots for the event. The 37-year-old, will play Spain’s Iker Pajares Bernabeu in round one.
