A Kuwaiti shoots the ball as an Omani defends during the Gulf Under-16 Championship match in Bahrain.

MANAMA, July 10: Kuwait bounced back by defeating Oman 64-55 in the third round of the Gulf Under-16 Championship held in Bahrain. The tournament, which concludes tomorrow, also serves as a qualifier for the Asian Cup Finals in Mongolia.

In another match during the same round, Bahrain maintained its strong form with a third straight win, beating Saudi Arabia 82-62.

Bahrain currently leads the standings with 6 points, followed by the Blues with 5 points, Saudi Arabia with 3 points, and both the UAE and Oman with 2 points each.

The Blues will not play in today’s fourth round, where Saudi Arabia faces Oman and Bahrain takes on the UAE. Having already secured qualification for the Asian Cup Finals, Bahrain is expected to clinch the tournament title with a likely victory over the UAE.

Tomorrow’s decisive match between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will determine which team finishes second and joins Bahrain in advancing to the Asian Cup.

Kuwait started the tournament strongly, winning 63-44 against the UAE, but suffered a heavy 93-52 loss to Bahrain. After resting for two days, the team is focused and ready to face Saudi Arabia in tomorrow’s crucial game, aiming to secure a spot in the Asian finals.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/ArabTimes Staff