Four-time champions Qatar defeated the United Arab Emirates 22-17 to notch up their third straight victory at the Asian Men’s Handball Championship in Qatif, Saudi Arabia yesterday.
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 round 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.
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 prelim-inary round yesterday.
Iraq are placed in Group 2 along with Kuwait, Iran and Bahrain. Meanwhile, 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.
The 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.
