Joel Makin Storms To Impressive Victory In Qatar Classic

Joel Makin was beaten 12-10, 11-6, 11-6 in the final by Diego Elias. Pic: PSA.

Joel Makin was beaten 12-10, 11-6, 11-6 in the final by Diego Elias. Pic: PSA.

Joel Makin saw off top-class opposition to cruise into the third round of the Qatar Classic on Tuesday. The 26-year-old beat Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar 3-0 (11-7, 11-3, 11-6).

Joel Makin saw off top-class opposition to cruise into the third round of the Qatar Classic.

The 26-year-old beat Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar 3-0 (11-7, 11-3, 11-6) on Tuesday.

It was a tough opening game for Makin, seeded eight, who had been given a first-round bye.

https://twitter.com/djevs24/status/1323601579480592389

Makin has slipped one place in the world rankings to 10 from his career-high nine and was facing an opponent just one place below him.

But the Haverfordwest-born player took just 33 minutes to see off Abouelghar who reached a career-high seven in the world last year.

Makin became only the second Welsh player to qualify for the World Tour finals in Egypt last month where he reached the semi-finals.

 

Related News

Welsh pair Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton. Pic. Alamy

Welsh Pair Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton Backed as Right Picks for Premier League

Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton’s inclusion in the Premier League Darts line-up, has been explained by Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle as giving fans the players they are familiar with.

Gareth James | Jan 08, 2026
Hugh Morris. Pic. Alamy

Glamorgan to Honour Hugh Morris with Renamed Cricket Centre

Glamorgan plan to rename their indoor cricket centre at Sophia Gardens, the Hugh Morris Indoor Cricket Centre in honour of their former captain and chief executive.

Graham Thomas | Dec 29, 2025
Tyler Melbourne-Smith. Pic. Alamy

Team Wales Rising Star Tyler Melbourne-Smith has Eyes on Major Prizes in 2026

Wales has a new swimming star - 20-year-old Tyler Melbourne-Smith, who is set to share Team Wales hopes of success at next year's Commonwealth Games, as Liz Byrnes reports.

Liz Byrnes | Dec 24, 2025
Rory McIlroy after receiving the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025. Pic. Alamy

When Rory met SPOTY . . . and Joined Wales’ Pioneer, Dai Rees

It’s almost the end of the year and award ceremonies are everywhere. Some are still worth winning, though, as Andrew Weeks explains.

Andrew Weeks | Dec 23, 2025
Former Wales Commonwealth Games athlete Mica Moore. Pic: JBSFed

Mica Moore Racing Towards Jamaica Selection for Winter Olympics

Welsh athlete and former Commonwealth Games sprinter Mica Moore is pushing for a place at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano/Cortina.

Devin Pote | Dec 23, 2025
Wales' Gerwyn Price. Pic. Alamy

Gerwyn Price Crashes Out of World Champs to Dutch Debut Man

Gerwyn Price suffered a stunning early exit from the World Darts Championship as Wesley Plaisier delivered the biggest upset of the tournament so far.

Gareth James | Dec 22, 2025