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DOHA Reigning champions Qatar eased to a 36-26 victory in the opening match against Syria in the Asian Men's Junior Handball Championship in Salalah, Oman on Monday.
At the Al Saadah Sports Complex, Qatar, five times winners and unbeaten since 2018, led 21-9 at the interval.
Ahmed al Kharusi was the star scorer for the winners, netting five goals.
Syria rallied spiritedly in the second half through Merdas al Azem, who had a game-high seven strikes.
Both are placed in Group B along with Iraq and Palestine.
The Asian championship serves as the qualifying tournament for 2019 IHF Men's Junior World Championship, scheduled in Spain.
On Tuesday, Qatar take on Palestine before wrapping up the group stage on July 18 against Iraq.
