By Sophie Mosleh
Three matches were played in Group A of the International Basketball Championship in Amman during the past three days. The first match was Bulgaria’s Yambolgas Vs Jordan’s Jazira Wednesday night.
Yambolgas, who were blessed with experience and professional players, defeated Jazira 92-66 and also defeated Jordan’s Orthodox Club 89-62 for the same reasons.
The third game, a very tense and nervous match between Jordanian Orthodox and Jazira, ended with Jazira winning 71-67 and the chance to represent Jordan in the semifinals.
BOTH EGYPT TEAMS QUALIFY FOR SEMIS; YOUNGER GO FIRST
Group B also had three matches: Egypt’s Olympic National team tormented Jordan’s Al-Ahli 82-55. The Olympic team was, as usual, fast and played the ball with total control.
In Game two Egypt’s Al-Ahly played Jordan’s Al-Ahli in a match which earned Jordan their second loss.
Egypt, winning the game 92-66, were more experienced than Jordan and lived up to their full potential. Jordan’s loss got them a winning ticket out of the semifinals.
The third game was between the two Egypt teams: Al-Ahly and the Olympic team. The younger Olympic defeated their fellow oldies 77-55.
TOO STRONG ZASTAVA SETTLE AT 7TH POSITION AFTER BADLUCK
Yugoslavia’s Zastava, who are too strong a side to fall out before the semifinals, stand at 7th position, after failing to qualify. This team which has played extremely well throughout the championship and should advance, sits out perhaps due to badluck. They defeated Jordan’s Wehdat and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ansar.
Al-Ansar is ranked at 8 after defeating Wehdat. Wehdat is in 9th position after failing to achieve any wins.
Egypt’s Olympic team qualified first and Al-Ahly second in the semifinals.
THE CUP
Winners of the International Basketball Championship will be awarded the basketball Cup, which recently arrived from Lebanon after it was so carefully designed there. It features a gold-plated basketball, ring, board and stand. The design will remind the winners of the Cup of the strong spirit needed in order to win this international championship.
Semifinal matches for Saturday night are:
Bulgaria’s Yambolgas Vs Egypt’s Al-Ahly 6:15 p.m.
Jordan’s Jazira Vs Egypt’s Olympic team 8:30 p.m.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
