Almur Huraiz took the UAE’s overall medal haul to 11 in the fourth Asian Beach Games with a silver on the opening day of the jet ski competition.
The Emirati split the home duo of Veerapong Maneechom and Nuttakorn Pupakdee in the mixed ski open on Monday at Phuket, Thailand, to take the UAE to seventh in the overall medal standings with four gold, three silver and four bronze.
Thailand leads with 13 gold medals, 12 silver and 17 bronze, followed by Japan (6-3-3), Mongolia (6-0-3), China (5-4-9), Kazakhstan (5-4-5) and Iran (4-7-5) from 43 countries.
The UAE booked a passage in the quarter-finals in beach soccer after a resounding 6-2 win over Malaysia. They will progress to the next round with Japan, who they meet today, regardless of the result.
Japan defeated Malaysia 5-2 and the late withdrawal of Afghanistan in Group D means the top two from the four groups qualify to the round of eight.
Thailand were joined by Vietnam in Group A.
“We know it is going to be very tough from now onwards but we must be prepared to play against the best teams and win if you want to achieve the objectives,” said Karim, the captain.
Adel Ranjbar struck UAE’s fifth before Ahmed rounded off with a penalty in the final period.
apassela@thenational.ae
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