This file photo shows Qatar beach handball team's members and officials pose for a picture after winning the 2013 edition of Asian Beach Handball Championship in Hong Kong. Qatar will take Oman today in their last Group A match at the ongoing Asian Beach
Three-time champions Qatar claimed back-to-back wins at the Asian Beach Handball Championship to cruise into semi-finals in Thai city of Pattaya, hence confirming their place at the World Beach Handball Championships 2018.
Qatar, champions in the 2011, 2013 and 2015 editions, entered the Asian Beach Handball Championship as defending champions, needing at least an entry into the semi-finals to confirm their place in the global event to be held in Sochi, Russai as the top four teams of the continental competition will qualify for the next year's championships.
The Al Anabi achieved their initial target in style with one-sided victories over Uzbekistan and Chinese Taipei respectively.
In their opening match, the defending champions prevailed over Uzbekistan 2-0 and repeated a similar show against Chinese Taipei for the identical victory.
After confirming their Sochi berth, Qatar are now eyeing their fourth Asian crown.
They will meet Oman in their last group A clash today, before the semi-finals to be on May 14. The final of the event is scheduled on May 15. As many as 9 teams are taking part in the event. Iran, Afghanistan,
Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam are fighting for semi-finals spots in Group B.
According to details made available, Vietnam are leading Group B with three victories from as many matches followed by Thailand who have so far secured two wins besides a draw. Iran are third followed by the UAE and Afghanistan.
