Tough Opening for Bahrain 3x3 in Sanya
Bahrain’s senior men’s 3x3 basketball national team opened their Asian Beach Games campaign in China with two defeats in Group C action yesterday at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium.
The nationals first went down 21–11 to Qatar, who controlled the contest from the outset behind strong scoring performances from Dejan Janjic and Mohammed Abbasher, who both finished with seven points, while Abdulrahman Saad added six. Bahrain’s Austin Ajukwa led his side with six points, with Bogdan Dragovic contributing three and Nasser Al Mosawi two.
The Bahrainis were back on court later in the day but suffered a 20–12 loss to India. Harsh Dagar led the Indian charge with eight points, supported by Kushal Singh’s six, as they proved more clinical in key moments. Dragovic once again paced Bahrain with six points, while Ajukwa and Al Mosawi added three apiece.
Mohammed Kowayed, who was called up as a late replacement for the injured Milos Supica following the team’s training camp in Hangzhou, featured across both fixtures as coach Ahmed Elias rotated his lineup.
With two losses from their opening two matches, Bahrain will now turn their focus to Monday’s final preliminary round clash against Kazakhstan at 8:30am. Kazakhstan are also without a win after losing to the same opponents, setting up a crucial encounter as both teams aim to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The top team from each pool advances directly to the quarter-finals, while the second and third-placed sides enter play-offs for the remaining knockout berths, leaving Bahrain in need of a strong response in their final group game.
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