KUWAIT: "Kuwait Stars" hockey team beat its Bahraini counterpart (5-0) in the opening match of the first Gulf Professional Ice Hockey Clubs that began Tuesday with the participation of five Gulf clubs.

Kuwait stars which includes local and pro plays gave an impressive performance led by best player Ahmad Al-Ajmi. Players dictated their styles at both ends of the game, securing the first win for Kuwait.

Meanwhile, "Abu Dhabi Storms" from UAE defeated "Oman Rockies by a score of 5-0 also.

The tournament is being held under the patronage of Information Minister, State Minister for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri and is being held at the skating rink. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Oman and Kuwait are participating in the five day tournament.

Deputy Director General of Public Authority for Sports Dr Saqer Al-Mulla told journalists the authority is keen on supporting such tournaments as they bring Gulf brothers together in Kuwait and wished participants success. He said Kuwait winter sports club, the tournament organizer, is considered an outstanding club in developing winter games in Kuwait. He also valued the support of minister Al-Jabri of Kuwait sports in general.

Chairman of Kuwait Winter Sports Club Fuhaid Al-Ajmi said he is happy to organize the first Gulf ice hockey clubs tournament, after oroganizing the first national hockey teams championship few years earlier, and this confirms the club's pioneership at the Gulf level.