A Qatari player shoots to score against Uruguay during their beach handball match played at Katara Beach, yesterday.Picture: Anvar Sadath
After recording back-to-back victories on the opening day, Qatar yesterday bagged two more wins to storm into the quarter-finals of men’s beach handball at the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019.
While Katara Beach, which hosted an impressive opening ceremony of the multi-sporting event yesterday, attracted a huge number of fans, hundreds of spectators turned out at the Al Gharafa Beach – the venue for beach handball – mainly supporting the home side.
Qatar looked in impressive form again yesterday as they overcame Uruguay and Tunisia without facing much difficulty.
The Al Annabis, who defeated Croatia and Hungary in their first two matches on Friday, climbed to the top of Group B with 8 points from four successive wins. Croatia are on the second spot with 6 points from three wins, while Hungary and Spain are occupying the third and fourth places respectively in Group B with 4 points each.
In the morning session yesterday, Qatar defeated a fighting Uruguayan side 19-18 and 22-18, thanks to Hani Kakhi who was star of the match, scoring 8 goals for 16 points.
While the hosts dominated the most part of the match, Uruguay gave them a tough time in the first half before Mahmoud Hassaballa’s goal gave them the winning goal after the score was tied 18-18. Hassaballa and Mutasem Mohamed both ended with three goals each while Mohamed Hassan scored four goals for Qatar.
Later in the evening, Qatar looked more comfortable against Tunisia beating them 2-0 with 18-12, 18-14 score-line. Ahmed Morgan’s tally of 5 goals for the home side was highlight of the match. Kakhi scored three goals, giving Al Annabi 5 points against Tunisia. Qatar will take on Spain in their final Group B match today.
Meanwhile, in other Group B matches yesterday, Hungary beat Spain 2-0 (21-20, 19-16) while Croatia prevailed over Tunisia 2-0 (22-18, 16-4). The evening session saw Croatia sealing their second win of the day with a 2-1 win over Spain, while Uruguay bounced back from Qatar defeat with a 2-1 victory over Hungary.
The Group A of men’s beach handball event is led by Denmark, who have 8 points from 4 victories while Brazil are on the second spot with 6 points, ahead of Sweden who also have 6 points. USA are fourth with 2 points.
Top four teams from each group will enter the quarter-finals of beach handball, which will be played tomorrow.
