Bahrain down Saudi Arabia for 2nd handball victory

Bahrain yesterday made it two wins in as many games in handball, defeating contenders Saudi Arabia 27-23 in the First GCC Games (Bahrain 11) at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town.On the second day of this single round robin event, the home side maintained their top form and put up an outstanding show throughout this 60-minute encounter.Veteran captain Saeed Johar inspired his side to a deserving second successive victory to remain on course towards winning the title of the Games' first edition.Other matches played yesterday saw Qatar pick up a 31-25 victory over the UAE, to share Bahrain the lead with four points each from two matches, while Kuwait claimed their maiden win in the competition beating Oman 24-22 as the latter were dealt their second defeat in a raw.Today is a rest day in the handball championship and action resumes tomorrow when Bahrain play their third against Oman at 3pm.Bahrain, who started their campaign with a resounding 30-24 victory over favourites Kuwait on the first day on Monday, headed into yesterday's key clash with confidence.Adel Al Sabba, who replaced German coach Wolfgang Lowak just before the start of the Games, was banking on several prominent players, including Hussain Al Sayyad and centre giant Jaffar Abbas who scored crucial goals. Bahrain's league cup champion Al Dair Club goalkeeper Mohammed Abdulhussain, who contributed to his team's victory against Kuwait, was again in superb form yesterday making a string of saves which proved decisive.The victory gave Bahrain the full two points and top spot in this six-team event.Saudi Arabia, who kick-started their title bid defeating the UAE 25-20, were handed their maiden defeat in the competition.Bahrain were also dominant on the first day of the table tennis championship yesterday when the women's team claimed an easy 3-0 victory over Oman.Fatma Al Haiki gave the home team the lead with a 3-0 (11-4, 11-5, 11-5) win against Oman's Kawther Nasser, then Kaltham Elyasi made it 2-0 for Bahrain winning her match against Heba Al Na'abi 3-0 (11-5, 11-3, 11-2).In the doubles match, Bahrain's Hussain Al Zayani and Al Haiki defeated Oman's Al Na'abi and Nasser 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-4).Yesterday's other tie saw Kuwait beat the UAE 3-0. Manwa Al Shammari put Kuwait ahead with a 3-2 (11-3, 11-3, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9) win over Noora Mahfood.Maryam Abdulharim then eased past her Emirati opponent to record a (11-4, 11-5, 11-9), then the pair of Al Shammari and Abdulrahim posted a deserving (11-8, 11-1, 11-8) win over Noora Mahfood and Majd Al Belooshi in the doubles.Two ties are scheduled for today, starting at 5.30pm when the UAE take on Oman while Kuwait face off with Bahrain.