Qatar trounces Saudi Arabia 34–19 in Asian Men's Handball Championship

Qatar breezed past Saudi Arabia in its bid to defend its Asian Men's Handball Championship title on Saturday.

Qatar trounced its Gulf neighbour, which is hosting the tournament, 34–19 in its first game in Group 1 of the main round of competition.

Doha's dream team was up 17–10 after the first half of play and now lead its side of the competition.

It comes after Qatar, which has held the tournament trophy four times in the past, waltzed through the preliminary round with three victories.

They are now set to face Uzbekistan on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia will play South Korea, who conquered Uzbekistan 31–21 on Saturday.

South Korea has historically had much success at the Asian Men's Handball Championship, which it has won on nine occasions.

In the other group, Iran clinched a 28–25 victory against Iraq, while Bahrain beat Kuwait 29–15.

The Iranians are set to play Kuwait on Sunday, as Bahrain and Iraq clash.

The semi-finals will be contested next Saturday, with two sides advancing from both halves of the bracket. The final is to be held the Monday after.

The 2022 Asian competition is also a qualifying tournament for next year's World Men's Handball Championship, with five spots up for grabs.

Sweden and Poland are to hold the world championship.