South Korea, Qatar victorious in Asian handbal

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Top title contenders South Korea and Qatar were both victorious yesterday in their second games of the preliminary round in the 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship, currently being hosted by Bahrain.

The South Koreans coasted to a 42-13 rout of New Zealand in their Group B clash, while Qatar ousted Gulf rivals Oman 28-18 in Group A.

Both winners captured back-to-back wins in their pools to remain undefeated and secure their places in the main round.

Also triumphant yesterday were Kuwait and Iran, and they too booked their spots in the ensuing phase.

Kuwait beat Chinese Taipei 31-27 in Group A while Iran edged past China 24-22 in Group B.

In South Korea’s big win yesterday, they built a commanding 20-6 lead at the end of the first half and never looked back.

Hyeonsik Lee was named the Best Player of the Game for the victors.

Close out In Qatar’s victory, they were up 15-7 at the break and did well to close out the contest over the final 30-minute period.

Goalkeeper Anadin Suljakovic was selected as their top performer.

For Kuwait, they held a narrow 16-13 advantage after the first stanza and were able to hold on to their lead in the second half for their second straight victory.

Abdulaziz Althafiri was adjudged as the Best Player of the Game for the Kuwaitis.

In Iran’s win, they led 15-10 heading into the interval, and were able to hold off a China rally late on for the crucial win.

Goalkeeper Mohammad Siavoshishahenayati was named the Best Player of the Game.

Tournament action continues today with the final day of the preliminary round in Groups C and D.

In the feature event, hosts Bahrain will look to finish as Group D winners when they face off with the UAE at 7pm.

Both sides have already secured their places in the main round, with pool supremacy up for grabs in this fixture.

Kazakhstan and Hong Kong face off at 3pm in the other divisional tie.

Meanwhile, two crucial matches are set for Group C, where Iraq, Japan and Saudi Arabia are all still with a chance of making it to the main round.

Following Iraq’s 28-all tie with the Japanese in their previous game, they face a tough test against Saudi at 5pm.

Japan, on the other hand, are favourites when they take on winless India at 1pm.