KUWAIT: Kuwait hammered Malaysia 15-1 in the opening match of the World Championship Division IV ice hockey championship on Tuesday. The game, hosted by Kuwait Winter Games Club, saw the Blue Team scoring five goals in the first set of the period, six in the second and four in the final. Malaysia’s only goal was scored in the second period. In the other match, Mongolia beat Indonesia 9-3.

Speaking to reporters following the match, Kuwaiti player Mohammad Al-Duaij voiced hope that the great result of the game would give impetus to the team and enhance their self-confidence. The Kuwaiti team is now better prepared for the coming crucial match against Mongolia on Thursday, he said.

Duaij thanked Kuwait Winter Games Club and Kuwaiti fans for the great support to the team before and during the match, saying their support was the main cause of the victory. Earlier, Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Minister of State for Communications Affairs Dawood Maarafi, the sponsor of the event, announced the championship open, voicing best wishes to the participants. — KUNA