Bahrain bow to Kazakh juniors

The kingdom's junior boys squad are the only team remaining in the competition, after the elimination of the cadet boys team in the first round of their age category.

The Bahrainis are playing for a place between ninth and 13th on the final classification among the participating teams. Their top 10 hopes were dashed, however, with the loss to the Kazakhs.

In the opening match, Bahrain's Ali Saleh went down in four games to Timur Kelbuganov 7-11, 5-11, 11-9, 5-11. It was a tough defeat for the youngster who battled hard until the end.

The nationals were then given a ray of hope when Hassan Juma defeated Aset Babasov in the next match. Hassan was in inspired form as he swept to the victory 11-8, 11-5, 11-5 to even the proceedings at one game apiece and leave the match advantage up for grabs.

But Bahrain's momentum was halted by Kazakh youngster Dias Sarsembayev, who beat Yousef Al Buflasa in a quick three-game decision 11-7, 11-1, 11-2.

Hassan then had the task of keeping Bahrain's campaign alive in the fourth match against Kelbuganov. It was not meant to be, however, and the favoured Kazakhstan squad finally ended the contest with Kelbuganov's hard-earned 11-9, 11-8, 13-11 triumph.

The victors move on to face Singapore, while the Bahrainis will have to settle for what is likely to be a last-placed ranking on the final standings, Kazinform refers to Gulf Daily News.

See www.gulf-daily-news.com  for full version.