Revealed: Qatar prime minister spends $100 MILLION on New York's most expensive penthouse

The prime minister of Qatar has been revealed as the mystery buyer who spent almost $100 million to purchase New York City’s most expensive penthouse.

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani brought the luxurious two-story apartment spread over 10,923 square feet in the One57 building back in May.

Furthermore, the billionaire sheikh, who has two wives and 15 children, is reportedly also in discussions about buying four separate, full-floor condos in the exclusive Midtown building, which would bring the total cost to an incredible $250 million.

Revealed: The prime minister of Qatar has been revealed as the mystery buyer who spent almost $100 million to purchase New York City's most expensive penthouse back in May

City living: The sheik's new property boasts 10,923 square foot of space opposite Carnegie Hall and provides breathtaking views of the city skyline

The One57 building’s developer, Extell’s Gary Barnett, confirmed on May 18 that the apartment had been brought but would only say that a ‘very nice family’ had snapped it up.

Mr Barnett said previously that the buyer, now known to be Al-Thani, was also looking at buying the Winter Garden unit - a duplex featuring a solarium totaling 13,500ft and another floor to create a 20,000 square feet space.

If he does make these further purchases that will likely more than double his spending - bringing it up to a staggering $250 million.

Al-Thani laid down between $90million and $100million for the penthouse after his $31.5 million bid for a couple of Fifth Avenue apartments, owned by the late copper heiress Huguette Clark, was rejected.

And he brought the One57 penthouse before he could even see it completed, as the building is currently in development and only due to be finished next year.

The astronomical fee of the penthouse apartment eclipses the $88million forked out by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev on a penthouse for his daughter last winter at 15 Central Park West.

King of the Castle: Views from the castle in the sky will be unparalleled over all of Manhattan, the outer boroughs and beyond; the Sheik brought the property before even seeing it as it is not yet completed

No doubt the owners will be able to afford good window treatments if they want to block out the incredible lights visible from the master bedroom in order to sleep

The One57 building is across the street from Carnegie Hall and a stone’s throw from Central Park.

The penthouse, on the 89th and 90th floors, boasts a ‘grand salon’, at least five bedrooms, four fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and a large mezzanine, the New York Post reported.

As well as staggering views over the Manhattan skyline and beyond, the property also features impressive 23-foot ceilings.

Al-Thani shelled out on the Midtown penthouse after his bid for two Fifth Avenue apartments, owned by the famously reclusive Huguette Clark, was refused.

'He decided to buy the One57 penthouse after the Huguette Clark rejection,' a source told the New York Post.

Despite offering $500,000 over the asking price, the powerful PM’s bid was refused with the building’s co-op board even refusing the sheikh an interview.

Rejected: Al-Thani initially hoped to buy a couple of Fifth Avenue apartments, owned by the late copper heiress Huguette Clark, for $31.5 million but his bid was rejected by the co-op board

It is thought the board stonewalled his offer after it was revealed he planned to knock the two eight floor apartments into one.

It was also reported that al-Thani's huge family – and the entourage of staff who travel with them – also caused concerns for the co-op board.

Other reasons cited for the rejection were concerns about where his money was coming from and the fact that the Sheikh is a foreign head of state with diplomatic immunity.

Situated on 157 West 57th street One57 will become the tallest residential building in the city when it is finished next year.

High above the rest: Residents in the penthouse of the shimmering glass tower will look down on their neighbors

Reaching for the skies: Construction is expected to finally be finished in 2013. When finished the building the building will appear as at right

Sharap-over! It's sweet revenge for Lisicki as Russia ace crashes out

A quick flick through the record books and Maria Sharapova might have known she was going to be in trouble on Monday against Sabine Lisicki.

‘I’ve beaten the French Open champion three times here,’ said Lisicki, still wearing the smile that had lit up Court No 1 since early afternoon.

‘In 2009 I beat Svetlana Kuznetsova, last year Na Li, and this year Maria. I guess they shouldn’t be in my part of the draw.’

Going home: Maria Sharapova has been knocked out by Sabine Lisicki

Contrasting emotions: Sharapova and Lisicki react at the conclusion of their match

It was all, of course, blurted out through a cheeky giggle. And why not? The German 22-year-old had just beaten the world No 1 6-4, 6-3, an exact reverse of last year’s semi-final defeat by the same opponent.

She deserved it, too, her huge serve and thundering groundstrokes bullying the Russian out of the game.

The favourite for the tournament, Sharapova never looked like winning, despite a brief upturn at the end of the first set.

Instead she wore a look of distress and by the end even her shrieking had a depressing tone to it.

This defeat not only leaves her heading home but toppled from the world No 1 position she has held for just a few weeks, with Victoria Azarenka or Agnieszka Radwanska ready to grasp the often poisoned chalice at the top of the women’s game.

Sharapova’s loss means only six of the past 36 women’s Grand Slams have been won by the No 1 seed. ‘I had chances but I didn’t take them,’ said a philosophical Sharapova, who did what many would not and stopped to sign autographs on her way off court.

Victory: Sabine Lisicki marches on

‘But she played extremely well. You just have to hand it to her. If she serves as well as she did today and is as aggressive as she was, there’s no doubt she has a lot of potential.’

These women could not have come into Wimbledon with more contrasting fortunes.

Sharapova completed her Grand Slam set by winning the French Open and regaining the world No 1 spot while Lisicki arrived in SW19 having lost in the first round at her last four tournaments. Not that you would have known it. After taking the initiative by breaking Lisicki in the opening game of the match, Sharapova struggled to assert her authority, losing her next two service games and struggling with her movement.

On Lisicki’s serve, she struggled sometimes to even get into the point as the German sent down balls at up to 118mph.

Li Na was half-joking last year when she said Lisicki served like a man. Sharapova was not laughing, breaking back at 5-3 down only to lose her serve - and the set - in the next game.

The second set was barely a contest, Lisicki breaking for 4-2 and never looking back.

She had smiled for almost every minute of the match but swapped it for tears as her second serve ace sealed the win. Court No 1 roared - they had been on her side from the start. It was sweet revenge for Lisicki, not only for last year but for her two other defeats by the Russian.

Shake on it: Sharapova (right) congratulates her opponent

‘It was revenge for all three of them,’ said Lisicki afterwards, relishing being back on the grass where her serve is so effective.

Her enthusiasm captivated the Court No 1 crowd and the press room. ‘I enjoy the sport. I just love playing tennis and I love being out there, especially at my favourite tournament.

‘I just have fun out there. I smile because even if I miss a shot by a little, I was going for the right one, so there’s nothing to be mad about.

‘I felt great. As soon as I stepped on the court I also felt like I was playing very well, so I was feeling very confident.’ For Sharapova, there is now the agony of seeing someone else win the trophy she claimed in 2004. For Lisicki, there is a derby against fellow German Angelique Kerber and the real hope of a second consecutive Wimbledon semi-final.

Not that she is getting carried away. ‘I’ve been playing better with each match and better each year, so we’ll see where I end up,’ she added.

The twinkle in her eye suggested she fancies her chances a fair bit more than that.

Fab news for Queens Park Rangers as United defender joins on season-long loan

Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of Manchester United full-back Fabio on a season-long loan.

The Brazilian, who joined United in 2008, will meet up with his new team-mates next Monday.

'I'm so happy to be here,' said Fabio, who made only five Barclays Premier League appearances last season.

Welcome to Loftus Road: The youngster has agreed a loan deal at QPR

'This loan is so important for me in terms of my career. I want to play as many games as possible here. I want to play well and win games as well. It's a good move for my career and for my confidence.

'Sir Alex Ferguson said that I'd enjoy it here and told me to play as many games as I can.'

He added: 'I know that QPR is a club with great history. I read about the history and that's why I'm here.

'I also came here because I'm ambitious. I want to help QPR progress up the Premier League.

On the move: Fabio has joined Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan

'Hopefully the fans will enjoy watching me in action, because I'll do my best.'

Fabio joined United from Fluminense alongside twin brother Rafael - who today penned a new four-year deal at Old Trafford.

Manager Mark Hughes is confident the 21-year-old will be a hit at Loftus Road next term.

Speaking to the club's website, Hughes said: 'It's a great opportunity for us to loan a good, young player, who has decent experience of playing for a top club like Manchester United.

'He's played a lot of senior games for United, so it shows the quality he's got.

'I know they think very highly of him and we believe he has all the attributes to be a success here next season.'