What to do when QF booking tool shows award availability but cannot book?

[IRCC]

Any advice out there? Set up an itinerary: IAD - DOH plus DOH - NBO using QR on QF points. Award availability shows in both Business and Economy (AwardNexus agrees) for both legs but the booking failed when trying to complete. Got on chat to QF and they tell me DOH-NBO award is not available - must have just sold. She booked the IAD - DOH leg ok as award. I just checked and the IAD-DOH availability has disappeared following my booking (must have been lucky) but DOH-NBO is still showing available over 24hrs later. It's been showing available for a week before booking and now a day and a half after the call with QF still showing available. Tried a call to QF again - same result: no availability.
Seat map shows flight is almost empty; yes I know it's not definitive but couldn't be out by that much.
Is there any way to secure the seats or do I just give up and book a paid seat direct with Qatar? Cannot even search for that leg by itself on QF as it won't accept DOH as the starting point.
The flight is QR1335 on 26/09/18.

 

[JohnK]

Is this a case of phantom availability?

 

[BriarFlyer]

I just checked on Asia Miles and that flight/date is showing availability in standard business. I'd try Qantas again.

 

[serfty]

. I'd try Qantas again

... And ASAP ...

 

[Danger]

It may be that QR has not given QF access to award seats on that flight.

 

[kevrosmith]

Use the multi city tool to search XYZ-DOH and then you’ll be able to put DOH-NBO as the second leg to check what availability QF engine can see.

 

[Dr Ralph]

It may be that QR has not given QF access to award seats on that flight.

I've seen this happen previously.