Qatar defeat Saudi Arabia in Asian Men's Handball Championship

Dammam: Four-time champions Qatar defeated Saudi Arabia 34-19 in their first match at the main round of the Asian Men's Handball Championship in Dammam, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The Valero Rivera-coached side has been placed in Group 1 in main group alongside nine-time winners South Korea, hosts Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan while Group 2 includes Kuwait, Iran, Iraq and Bahrain. Top two teams from each group will book berths in the semi-finals of the event, which will be played on January 29. The final will be played on January 31. The top five teams from the Championship will directly qualify for the 2023 World Men's Handball Championship, to be held jointly by Poland and Sweden.   

Qatar’s al-Kaabi takes sole lead after opening round

Doha: Qatar’s Saleh Ali al-Kaabi shot a two-under 70 to take lead on the opening day of the 36th Qatar Open Golf Amateur Championship, which teed off at the Doha Golf Club (DGC), on Thursday. The Qatari golfer, who took a silver medal at the Arab Golf Championship in Cairo last month, made the best of favourable conditions to secure a one-shot lead over Saudi Arabia’s Saud al-Sharif (71). Another Saudi Arabian golfer Faisal al-Salhab – winner of the individual title in Cairo – finished the opening day on third position after carding 72. Al-Kaabi, who made five birdies and three bogeys, was content with his performance and hoped to continue his form in the remaining rounds. “It’s a very good start for me and I am happy with a two-under-par in the first round,” the 27-year-old told reporters yesterday. “I am looking to repeat my performance in the second round to go into the final round with a good position,” he said. “My recent participation in international events including the Arab Championship has given me a lot of experience and confidence. I hope I will be able to win this competition which I love but I have to show a consistent performance in the next rounds,” he added. Al-Kaabi added the golfers were able to give their best due to fantastic conditions on the opening day. “I hope we will get the same conditions during the remaining rounds,” he said. Meanwhile, defending champion Ali al-Shahrani finished the opening day in joint fourth position after a score of two-over 74. The Qatari golfer was joined by six other golfers. Al-Shahrani, who made four birdies and four bogeys, said cold weather early morning affected his performance but he hoped to bounce back in the remaining rounds. “It’s just the first round and I am looking forward to a fight back to defend my title. The second round (today) is important and I am hoping for a better performance,” said al-Shahrani, who became the first Qatari golfer in 35 years to win the Qatar Open, last year. “I hope a Qatari golfer wins this tournament for a second time in a row,” he added. Al-Shahrani also commended the organisers for holding the event despite facing the challenge of Covid-19 pandemic. “I would like to salute the federation officials for their commitment in holding the tournament and providing the golfers with necessary health atmosphere. The tournament has great value for us and we always strive to compete in this event,” he said. As many as 118 golfers are taking part in the event which is considered as one of the oldest sports events in the country. The winner of the tournament qualifies to play in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which is a part of the European Tour.  

Qatar defeat UAE in Asian Men's Handball Championship

Dammam: Four-time champions Qatar defeated United Arab Emirates 22-17 to notch up their third straight victory at the Asian Men's Handball Championship in Dammam, Saudi Arabia on Thursday. After recording another dominating victory at Prince Nayef Sports City Hall, Al Annabi topped Group C with six points as they cruised into the main round, which will consist of eight teams. The Valero Rivera-coached side has been placed in Group 1 in main group where they will face nine-time winners South Korea, hosts Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. Al Annabi will play their first match of the main round against hosts Saudi Arabia in Dammam, tomorrow. Qatar have won the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 editions and can match South Korea’s record of five straight titles with a crown in Saudi Arabia. Since winning their first Championship in 2014, Qatar have been unstoppable in the continental tournament, beating Bahrain in three finals and South Korea in the last edition two years ago in Kuwait.  The 2015 world silver medallists could match the record for most title victories in a row, currently held by South Korea from 1983 to 1993. South Korea is the most successful team in history with nine titles, but the last of these came in 2012. Their best performance since then was at the last tournament, losing 33-21 in the final. However, they are down to sixth on the continent in the world rankings, sitting 49th worldwide. Meanwhile, Iraq became the second team from Group C to advance in the tournament after beating Oman 31-29 in their final game of the preliminary round yesterday. Iraq are placed in Group 2 along with Kuwait, Iran and Bahrain. South Korea won Group A after they edged Kuwait 27-26 in a battle to top group. In other match of the group, Jordan defeated Singapore 40-19 but both teams went out of the title race. Iran emerged on top of Group B after a 24-20 victory over the home side while Australia defeated India 27-26 to register their maiden win in the event. The Group D was won by Bahrain, who thrashed Hong Kong 46-20 for their third consecutive win. Uzbekistan finished runner-up in the group to enter the main round as they outclassed Vietnam 30-23 for their second win. Top two teams from each group will book berths in the semi-finals of the event, which will be played on January 29. The final will be played on January 31. The top five teams from the Championship will directly qualify for the 2023 World Men's Handball Championship, to be held jointly by Poland and Sweden. Saudi Arabia was awarded the tournament after the Championship was moved in September by the Asian Handball Federation due to the spread of Covid-19 in the initial host country, Iran.  

Qatar defeat Iraq in Asian Handball Championship

Dammam: Defending champions Qatar outplayed Iraq 37-22 for their second straight win in Group C of the Asian Handball Championship in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday. Qatar, who had beaten Oman a day earlier, will play their last group match against the UAE on Thursday. Rafael Capote, who played a lead role against Oman, was conspicuous by his absence against Iraq. But thanks to Frankis Carol Marzo, Ahmad Madadi and Eldar Memisevic, the four-time Asian champions raced to a comfortable 6-2 lead early. If Iraq, who stunned the UAE in their first game, entertained some hopes of an upset win over the defending champions, they were quickly dashed. Qatar’s sturdy back-line and goalkeeper Rashid Youssef held firm, halting several moves. The experienced Mahmoud Zaki donned the role of a playmaker to perfection. He calmly moved the ball around, stitching together goal-bound moves. Qatar ended the first half with an eight-goal advantage (17-9). Though Iraq managed to close the gap to four goals (15-19) at one point, they could not build on it. With 15 minutes remaining, Qatar led by eight goals (25-17). The lead soon swelled to 11 goals (29-18) and the match’s outcome was clear. Iraq tried hard for a late fightback, but the gap between the teams — in terms of goals and quality — was simply too great to bridge.  

Stage Set for 36th Qatar Open Golf Championship

DOHA - Qatar Golf Association has completed the arrangements for the 36th edition of Qatar Open Golf Championship, which begins on Thursday and continues for three days at the Doha Golf Club, with the participation of 108 players. The championship is one of the tournaments that give international rating points. The championship will be held with the participation of many players including first Qatari golf team players: title holder, Ali Abdullah Al Shahrani, Saleh Ali Al Kaabi and Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al Shahrani, in addition to the participation of some players of the Qatari junior team. The winner of the tournament qualifies to play in the next edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2022.   

Holders Team Qatar begin 2022 Asian Handball Championship with convincing victory

DAMMAM – Four-time winners Qatar started their Asian Handball Championship title defence in style, easily overpowering Oman 31-14 at the Ministry of Sports Hall in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. The defending champions took a quick 2-0 lead within the first two minutes and then continued to toy with their rivals, until they were 7-2 ahead by the 12th. Ahmad Madadi, who opened Qatar’s scoring, and Rafael Capote, the engine powering the team, gave them plenty to cheer about. Frankis Carol Marzo, top scorer of the 2021 IHF World Championships in Egypt, was also in fine nick.   After the blazing start, complacency slowly seeped into the team and Oman took advantage. Once they reached within two goals (6-8), Qatar sensed danger and pulled their game together. Things were soon back on cruise control, with Qatar leading 11-7 by the 25th and 14-7 at half-time. The Qatari players started the second half right from where they had left off and there was hardly anything Oman could do. With 10 minutes remaining, Qatar were far ahead (26-11) and the writing was on the wall. Qatar, scheduled to play three matches in as many days, rested their key players in the second half, but even that did not slow them down. With the gulf between the teams ever increasing, the Omani players seemed almost relieved when the final whistle went.