JEDDAH, 12 May 2005 – Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad and Ohud had arrived in Dubai for the 18th Arab Basketball Championship scheduled to start today. Al-Shabab of UAE are the hosts of the event where 16 teams are entered. The tournament will run through May 26.
Ittihad, the defending champions, are bracketed in the first group along with Al-Karakh of Iraq, Al-Mareeq of Sudan and Al-Wasel of UAE. The second group includes Al-Jazirah of Egypt, Al-Riyadh of Lebanon, Al-Muharraq of Bahrain and Al-Seeb of Oman. The third group comprised Al-Shabab of UAE, Shaab Eb of Yemen, Al-Salawiya of Morocco and Al-Kuwait of Kuwait. In the fourth group are Al-Jaish of Syria, Ohod of Saudi, Al-Buraij of Palestine and Fast Link of Jordan.
Going by the draw, Ittihad looked to have a smooth sailing to the next round, but such is not the case with Ohod who have to deal with two strong teams, Al-Jaish and Fast Link.
