Oman in consolation group after losing to Ukraine -
MUSCAT — Men’s holders Brazil were given a fright by a determined Egypt while Russia and Croatia notched straight wins in the second stage of the fifth World Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball Championships at the Musannah Sports City yesterday.
Brazil, surprised by Russia in their last preliminary clash on Tuesday, were once again staring the barrel before coming out unscathed in the shoot-out to win 15-16, 15-13, 10-5.
In-form Russia downed Spain 2-0 (17-12, 16-12) while Croatia put out Ukraine, who doused hosts’ hopes the previous day, 23-14, 19-18.
Oman who had to beat Ukraine in their last preliminary Group ‘A’ match on Tuesday night to book a place in the main Group 1, were thwarted by Ukraine after a thrilling tussle.
Oman lost the first period narrowly, won the second after a good struggle but lost the shoot-out by a whisker to go down 2-1 (14-13, 18-20, 7-6).
Yesterday in the women’s main Group 1, Denmark and defending champions Norway recorded wins, the former convincingly beating Hungary 2-0 (20-5, 22-18) while the latter after a pitched battle against Croatia, winning 2-1 (14-15, 19-18, 7-2).
Also winning in Group 1 were Brazilian eves, the only undefeated outfit so far in the competition, who subdued Uruguay 2-1 (14-4, 12-14, 6-4).
After the preliminaries, Russia, Brazil and Ukraine from Group ‘A’ and Croatia, Egypt and Spain progressed to the main Group 1 in the men’s section, while Denmark, Croatia and Uruguay from Group ‘A’ and Brazil, Norway and Hungary from Group ‘B’ entered main Group 1 in the women’s category.
In this main round each team will play three matches and the top four will enter the semifinals.
The fourth, fifth and sixth place of each group are in the consolation Group 2 and play for 7-12 places. In this round each team will play three matches.
Oman, Bahrain, Australia, Qatar, Kuwait and Uruguay are in the men’s consolation while Italy, Australia, China, Poland, Thailand and Singapore are in the consolation round.
Results: Men: Main Group 1: Russia bt Spain 2-0 (17-12, 16-12); Brazil bt Egypt 2-1 (15-16, 15-13, 10-5); Croatia bt Ukraine 2-0 (23-14, 19-18).
Consolation Group 2: Oman bt Uruguay 2-0 (17-16, 16-10); Qatar bt Australia 2-0 (22-8, 21-14); IOC bt Bahrain 2-1 (12-18, 17-14, 7-6).
Women: Main Group 1: Denmark bt Hungary 2-0 (20-15, 22-18); Norway bt Croatia 2-1 (14-15, 19-18, 7-2); Brazil bt Uruguay 2-1 (14-4, 12-14, 6-4).
Consolation Group 2: Italy bt Singapore 2-0 (25-1, 20-6; Thailand bt Australia 2-0 (13-8, 12-10); China bt Poland 2-0 (17-11, 15-11).
