Kuwait launches Asian qualifiers campaign with big Oman win

Players congratulate each other after opening victory.

DUBAI, Aug 27: Kuwait opened its campaign in the first window of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Asia Cup with an emphatic 88-61 victory over Oman at Shabab Al Ahli Club Hall in Dubai.

The tournament, hosted by the UAE, runs through August 31, with Kuwait making its first official appearance under the new Greek coach Vassilios Bratsiakos.

The Blues controlled the contest from the opening minutes, producing a confident display and maintaining their advantage throughout to underline their ambitions of advancing to the next stage of the qualifiers.

Kuwait faced the UAE late yesterday in its second game before taking on Nepal at 4 p.m. today. The UAE, meanwhile, meets Bahrain at 7 p.m.

The UAE also made a strong start, defeating Nepal 110-64 in the opening round.

The upcoming fixtures are crucial for Kuwait, with three teams from each group advancing to the second qualifying window, scheduled for November.

Kuwait player Abdulaziz Al-Humaidi praised the team’s performance against Oman, saying the Blue imposed its style from the start and successfully maintained its lead until the final whistle.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff