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Qatar eyes to host 2013 FIE World Fencing Championship

DOHA, January 17, 2008 (Afzal Mehmood Shaikh): Qatar eyes to host 2013 World Fencing Championship as announced by HE Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani – President of Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) and Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) on Thursday during a press conference at Aspire.

Qatar will be bidding for 2013 FIE World Fencing Championship next year.

During his recent visit to Lausanne, HE Sheikh Saoud received an overwhelming response from the Federation Internationale D'Escrime (FIE) officials, who lauded Qatar's organising skills and the existing facilities.

"I met the FIE officials in Lausanne recently and was pleased with their comments on Qatar's organisation skills of hosting major sports events in the State.

“Qatar has the resources and facilities of hosting any event as we have the infrastructure in place. As a QOC objective - we want to use sports as a tool to promote Qatar globally as a sports tourist destination,” said HE Sheikh Saoud.

The fifth edition of Qatar International Fencing Tournament - Grand Prix 2008 will see worlds 54 best epeeists out of the top 60 vie for the top honours. Record-breaking lineup of 163 fencers from 41 countries have already arrived for the event that will run from January 18 – 20, 2008.

“We have taken giant strides in the last five years and Qatar Grand Prix is now one of the best tournaments in the world. That doesn’t mean that there is no room for improvement. We are going to keep improving and will make sure that this tournament will be one tournament that the fencers will look forward too in the coming years,” QFF President stated.

Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) is pleased to announce the launch of its new membership scheme as an initiative to promote the sport through out the globe. This program consists of three classifications each with different categories and privileges.

1- Platinum Card

This prize is awarded to the fencer who is participating in the Grand Prix championships in Qatar for the sixth consecutive year and has achieved five points.

Privilages:
1- The fencer will receive US$ 5000 as prize money
2- Business-class air ticket, in addition to full board accommodation for one time
3- A special gift from the federation

2- Golden Card
This prize is awarded to the fencer who is participating in the Grand Prix championships in Qatar for the sixth consecutive year and has achieved three points.

Privilages:
1- The fencer will receive US$ 2000 as prize money
2- Economy-class air ticket
3- A special gift from the federation
4- No charges will be incurred for his participation in next Qatar Grand Prix

3- Silver Card
This prize is awarded to the fencer who is participating in the Grand Prix championships in Qatar for the sixth consecutive year and has achieved two points.

Privilages:
1- Economy-class air ticket
2- A special gift from the federation
3- No charges will be incurred for his participation in next Qatar Grand Prix

Points' schedule
First place – 5 points
Second Place – 3 points
Third Place – 2 points

Notes:
The fencer can move from his approved card to the higher card by collecting more points. For example; If the player of the golden card secured second place next year, he would raise his points tally to six and if he finishes third, he can raise his points tally to five, which meets the conditions of Platinum card and so on.

The fencers' results and their participating year form the beginning of Qatar Grand Prix championship will be counted.

PROGRAMME:
Thursday – 17/1/2008 Welcome of Delegation + Weapons Control
Referees Meeting
Friday – 18/1/2008 Individual Event
08:00 - Fencers Call + Registration
08:30 Heats
Saturday – 19/1/2008 Individual Event (continued)
09:00 - 64 Fencers Schedule
18:00 – Finals
Sunday – 20/1/2008 Team Events
09:00 - Direct elimination per team
18:00 - Finals per team
20:00 - Dinner offered by the Organising Committee
Monday – 21/1/2008 Departure of Delegations
REWARDS:
Total prize money of US$ 31,000 will be offered as follows:
INDIVIDUAL TEAM
1st Place: 5,000 US$ 1st Place: 6,000 US$
2nd Place: 3,000 US$ 2nd Place: 5,000 US$
3rd Place: 2,000 US$ 3rd Place: 4,000 US$
3rd Place: 2,000 US$
5th to 8th Place: 1,000 US$