Bahrainis claim handball crown

Bahrain were crowned overall winners of the handball championship of the First GCC Games (Bahrain 11), being held in the Kingdom. The nationals edged past bitter rivals Qatar 27-24 on the concluding day of this six-team round robin event, staged at Khalifa Sports City's Arena in Isa Town, said GDN. Veteran Saeed Johar skippered the Adel Al Sabba'a-coached Bahraini team to a deserving victory to end this six-team round robin competition with a perfect win record and secure another gold medal for the hosts. Goalkeeper Mohammed Abdulhussain was the hero for Bahrain, denying the Qataris on several occasions by bringing off a string of fine saves, which proved decisive. Mahmood Abdulqader, who made crucial contributions in Bahrain's previous two victories over Oman and the UAE, was also in outstanding form yesterday. Other contributions came from some of Bahrain's top player, including Abdulqader's elder brother Jaffar, Hussain Al Sayyad, Mahdi Madan, Mohammed Al Maqabi, Ali Eid, Hassan Al Samahiji and centre Jaffar Abbas. Bahrain finished on 10 points from five successive victories while Qatar, who were handed their first defeat in the championship, settled for runners-up and claimed the competition's silver.