DUBAI, April 24: The Kuwaiti volleyball team secured a notable 3-1 victory against the Qatari team, during the fourth round of the competition held at the Al-Nasr Club hall in Dubai. This marked the third consecutive win for Al-Azraq after their initial setback against Bahrain in the tournament’s opening match. They have since claimed victories over Oman, the Emirates, and Qatar. Their final challenge awaits against the Saudi team today.
The match unfolded with the Kuwaiti team dominating the first and second halves, clinching them with scores of 25-23 and 25-22 respectively. However, the Qatari team rallied in the third half, securing it with a score of 25-20. Nonetheless, Al-Azraq rallied in the fourth half, ultimately triumphing with a score of 25-22.
Meanwhile, in Sharjah at the Al-Bataeh Cultural and Sports Club hall, the Kuwait handball team encountered its first defeat of the tournament against the Saudi team, concluding with a score of 22-32. Despite a promising start where the youth team led with a score of 8-5, courtesy of playmaker Hussein Mandani and Youssef Maddouh, defensive lapses and rushed attacks allowed Saudi Arabia to seize control, leading 13-12 by halftime.
The Saudi team maintained dominance in the second half, exploiting Kuwait’s lapses to secure a convincing victory with a final score of 32-22.
Today, teams will rest as preparations for the fifth and final round, as well as the coronation ceremony for tomorrow. Matches scheduled include Bahrain versus Oman, Kuwait against the Emirates, and Saudi Arabia versus Qatar. The final round’s match order was determined in the previous technical committee meeting, ensuring that the title decider serves as the tournament’s closing spectacle.
Meanwhile, the delegations for 3×3 basketball, swimming, judo, karate, archery, and esports are set to arrive in the Emirates today, readying themselves for their upcoming competitions in the tournament.