RED HOT: Bahrain power past South Korea for third straight Asian Games handball win

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain maintained their perfect start to the Asian Games men's handball tournament with an impressive 30-21 victory over South Korea yesterday, making it three wins from three and strengthening their grip on top spot in Group II.

The reigning Asian champions faced their sternest test so far at ENTRIO in Inazawa, but a powerful second-half display eventually carried them to another convincing victory.

Bahrain led for much of a closely contested opening period, although South Korea stayed within touching distance and drew level at 9-9 with four minutes remaining.

Captain Hussain Al Sayyad restored the advantage before Ahmed Kadhem and Mohamed Habib Naser struck late in the half to send the Warriors into the break 12-10 ahead.

The Bahrainis began to take control after the restart, stretching their advantage to 15-11 before Naser struck twice in quick succession.

With South Korea still within four at 16-12, Bahrain responded emphatically, scoring four unanswered goals to open up a commanding 20-12 advantage.

The Koreans managed to cut the deficit to six on several occasions, but could get no closer as the nationals kept the scoreboard moving and pulled away again in the closing stages.

Kadhem and Ahmed Fadhul were among the late scorers before Sayed Shubbar completed a commanding nine-goal victory.

Naser led a balanced attack with six goals from 10 attempts, while Alshowaikh added five. Madan and Al Sayyad struck four apiece, with Kadhem contributing three as Bahrain converted 30 of their 44 shots.

The victory continued an impressive run under Swedish head coach Robert Hedin, who earlier this year guided Bahrain to their maiden Asian Championship crown and gold at the GCC Games.

It leaves the kingdom alone at the Group II summit with six points from three matches, having scored 107 goals and conceded 61 following earlier victories over Kazakhstan and Iran.

Kuwait sit second on four points, while South Korea and Iran have three apiece.

All teams have a rest day today before the preliminary round resumes tomorrow, when Bahrain conclude their Group B campaign against Kuwait at Kasugai City Gymnasium. The match throws off at 7.30am, Bahrain time.

The quarter-finals follow on Saturday as the Warriors continue their pursuit of a maiden Asian Games handball gold medal, having claimed silver at each of the previous two editions.

The semi-finals are scheduled for Monday, followed by the bronze and gold-medal matches on Tuesday.