A second convincing tie for Iraq upset Saudi Arabia´s main round hope. Bahrain completed their smooth sailing run in the group stage, there´s no worries so far for the host nation.
Japan almost reached one goal a minute and rushed through in an unexciting match. Crushing India with 59–11 didn´t change the fact that Japan only brings one point to the main round. The other was proudly received by Iraq after a tight clash with Saudi Arabia.
Top scorer Baderal Hammoodi produced ten goals, mainly from his pivot position and when Majid Abdulrdiha made 31–30 in the last minute, Saudi Arabia had no chance to advance even after the equalizer. Iraq knocking the previous bronze winner out is the surprise so far in the tournament.
Kazakhstan got before Hong Kong in the race for third place in group D. There was no discussion in the group final, Bahrain dismissed United Arab Emirates by 34–15. Aron Kristjansson´s team conquered via effective wing action from Qasim Qambar to ake the early led in the main round table.
Asian Men´s Championship
Group C, Iraq–Saudi Arabia 31–31 (14–16)
Japan–India 59–11 (27–6)
Group D, Kazakhstan–Hong Kong 27–22 (12–11)
Bahrain–United Arab Emirates 34–15 (19–8)