Oman go down fighting against S Korea

SUWON, South Korea: Oman went down fighting against hosts South Korea 29–27 in their first match of the Group 1 main round in 18th Asian Men’s Handball Championship in Suwon, South Korea, on Monday. At the Suwon Gymnasium court, Oman players put a spirited fight against the eight-time champions and were ahead by 13-12 at the half-time. In an earlier match of the same group, Saudi Arabia beat Iran 26-23. Oman meet Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and conclude group fixture with a match against Iran on Wednesday. The Group 2 includes Japan, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar. The top two will qualify for the semifinals after the round-robin matches. A total of 14 teams are taking part in the championship that also serves as the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 World Men’s Handball Championship. The top-four teams in Suwon will make it to the worlds.