(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Chinthana Wasala / The Peninsula
SUWON, SOUTH KOREA: Defending champions Qatar maintained their winning streak at the Asian Handball Championships when they defeated the UAE 34-20 yesterday.
Already out of the competition, having lost both their Group 2 matches, the UAE continued to struggle as Al Annabi proved to be too good for them.
On their familiar hunting ground, the Seo-Suwon Chilbo Gymnasium in Suwon, South Korea, the defending champions led 18-11 at half time.
On behalf of the reigning champions, Houssem Romane (9) was the top goal scorer. A. Berrached and Kamal Mallash netted five apiece.
For the losing side, Waheed Al Blooshi (5), Essa Al Bannai (4) and A Al Jneibi (4) added points.
Elsewhere, South Korea defeated Iran after a tough battle which ended at 28-25 in favour of the hosts yesterday. The win assured the Koreans their place in the semi-final against the seemingly unbeatable Qatari side.
The two teams will lock horns in the tournament's second semi-final which will take place tomorrow in Suwon.
Qatar became the first team to make it to the last four of the Championship when they put up an impressive show to defeat Bahrain 29-21 on Tuesday.
Qatar stays on course for a repeat success at the prestigious championship, extending their winning streak to six matches.
Qatar have already booked their place in next year's IHF Handball World Cup which will take place in Denmark and Germany when they reached the semis on Tuesday.
The other teams which were able to book their place in the World Cup are Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and South Korea.
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