Qatar continue domination in Asia! | Handball Planet
Asia

Qatar continue domination in Asia!

The 17th Asian Championship in Bahrain is ended. Qatar defended their title, winning 27:22 (12:11) over Bahrain in the final.

The match, which was replay of 2014 final, was very close and challenging. Strong efforts of Bahrain, with disciplined defense and inspired attacking play of Mahmood Abdulbaqer, kept them in the game. During first 50 minutes neither Qatar nor Bahrain managed to make more than two goals difference. Despite outstanding support from the crowded Khalifa Sports City Hall, Fernando Barbeito side did not capitalize crucial advantages and chances and paid the price at the end. In the second half, at 16:16 result, Qatar played with only three players in the field for two minutes, due to mistake of Valero Rivera bench. However, Bahrain was unable to score more than once during that period. In the last quarter, Qatar, boosted by outstanding saves of Goran Stojanovic, strong offensive play of Zarko Markovic and furious finish by Rafael Capote, who scored five goals in last ten minutes, managed to win over highly motivated hosts.

In the third-place match, Japan easily won 25:16 (12:7) against Saudi Arabia, which missed some key players due to injuries.

Iran won 5th place, overcoming Korea, while United Arab Emirates won against Oman in the 7th place play-off.

Final standings:

1. Qatar

2. Bahrain

3. Japan

4. Saudi Arabia

5. Iran

6. Korea

7. United Arab Emirates

8. Oman

9. China

10. Lebanon
11. Syria

TEXT: Marko Selakovic
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

To Top