Players fight for the rebound during Kuwait-Egypt match.

MANAMA, July 28: Kuwait endured its third consecutive defeat at the 26th Arab Basketball Championship, falling to Egypt 65-96 in the third round of the tournament being held in Bahrain until August 2.

In other results from the round, Algeria beat the UAE 99-61, while Tunisia edged past host Bahrain 97-86.

At the end of the third round, Tunisia and the UAE led the standings with 5 points each, having secured two wins and one loss. Egypt and Algeria followed with 4 points apiece from two victories. Bahrain also had 4 points, but from one win and two defeats. Kuwait (3 points) remained winless, while Qatar trailed with 2 points from two losses.

As a result of the defeat, Kuwait lost its chance to contend for a top-three finish. The Blue Team will sit out the fourth round and return to action tomorrow against Algeria in the fifth round.

Previously, Kuwait had lost to the UAE 79-87 and Tunisia 61-86.

The loss to Egypt was further compounded by an injury to Kuwaiti player Hussein Ashkanani, who suffered a severe shoulder dislocation during the match. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital, where he required surgery.

Awaid Al-Enezi, head of the Kuwaiti delegation, expressed gratitude to Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, for personally sponsoring Ashkanani’s treatment. Al-Enezi commended Sheikh Isa's continued support and contributions to Bahraini and Gulf basketball.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff