Al Riyadi Defeats Sagesse to Claim Title as Qatar Successfully Hosts WASL Final 8

Qatar Successfully Hosts WASL Final 8

Qatar once again showcased its expertise in hosting major events with the successful conclusion of the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) Final 8. The tournament ended with Al Riyadi defeating fellow Lebanese club Sagesse in an exhilarating overtime final yesterday.

The thrilling final at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall saw both teams tied at 79-79 at the end of regulation time. Al Riyadi then dominated the overtime period, securing the Doha title with a 100-90 victory. Al Riyadi’s seven-foot-tall Australian player, Thon Maker, captivated the packed crowd at the state-of-the-art arena, scoring 35 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and making an assist. His teammate Wael Arakji also impressed, contributing 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Additionally, Amir Saoud and Karim Zeinoun scored 13 and 12 points respectively.

For Sagesse, Americans Cleanthony Robert Early and Jonathan Mychal Gibson were the standout scorers with 25 and 23 points respectively. However, their efforts were in vain as Al Riyadi lifted the prestigious trophy. The event was attended by Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) President Mohammed Saad Al Mughaiseeb and FIBA Executive Director for Asia and CEO of the FIBA Asia Secretariat Hagop Khajirian.

QBF President Al Mughaiseeb expressed his gratitude to the International Basketball Federation for awarding Doha the honor of hosting the second edition of the Final 8. He emphasized that this event lays a strong foundation for future major basketball tournaments in the Gulf and Arab countries, endorsed by FIBA.

“This initiative is part of broader efforts to increase the sport’s popularity in the region and promote the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027,” Al Mughaiseeb said following the successful tournament.

QBF Secretary General Sadoun Al Kuwari elaborated that hosting the FIBA West Asia Super League Final 8 aligns with Qatar’s comprehensive long-term objectives. “These objectives focus on enhancing Qatar’s preparations for the 2027 Basketball World Cup and align with Qatar’s strategy to host the Asian Games in 2030 and the Olympics in 2036,” Al Kuwari stated.

Al Kuwari emphasized that hosting such significant events highlights Qatar’s commitment to excellence and its capability to host major international sporting events.

The Final 8, which featured top teams from the FIBA WASL Sub-Zone Leagues, marked a milestone in Qatar’s sports journey. The tournament also served as a precursor to the Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai, where Al Riyadi will compete next, along with Shahrdary Gorgan of Iran.

 

 

Source: The peninsula Qatar