Esteghlal Kazerun maintains lead in Men’s Handball Premier League
The second phase of the 38th season of the Iran Men’s Handball Premier League came to an end on Tuesday, as the remaining three matches of Week 16 were played in Kerman.
According to ISNA, the opening match saw Saipa Tehran take on Hepco Arak. Saipa, who have been enjoying a strong run of form in recent weeks, continued their impressive performances and secured a comfortable 30-24 victory. The result further underlined Saipa’s credentials as one of the main title contenders this season. With the loss, Hepco slipped to sixth place in the standings, dropping one position compared to the previous week.
In the second match, league leaders Esteghlal Kazerun faced Sepahan Novin Isfahan. Sepahan Novin put in a commendable display against the table-toppers and managed to take the lead at several stages of the match. Despite their strong showing, Esteghlal Kazerun ultimately imposed their dominance in a hard-fought encounter, claiming a 25-19 victory. The win earned them two additional points and allowed them to conclude the centralized second phase of the league as the team at the top of the table.
The final match of the week featured Naft va Gaz Gachsaran against Sang Ahan Bafgh. Following last week’s victory over Parvaz Havaniruz, Naft va Gaz once again faced a tough challenge. However, they managed to edge past their opponents with a narrow 28-26 win. As a result of the defeat, Bafgh remained on six points, while Naft va Gaz wrapped up their successful stint in Kerman with two consecutive victories before heading to Isfahan.