Ahli-Sidab to open against Al Salam

Defending champions Ahli-Sidab will take on Al Salam in the opening match of the 2012 His Majesty's Cup Hockey Championship. The draw held at the Oman Hockey Association (OHA) headquarters yesterday, saw Ahli-Sidab being clubbed with Seeb and Oman apart from Al Salam. Khalfan bin Saleh Al Naabi, Adviser at the Ministry of Sports Affairs and in the presence of OHA chief Dawood Al Raisi and other officials presided over the draw ceremony of the tournament, which kicks-off on October 10. Unlike in the previous editions, this year's nine-team tournament will see all matches played in Muscat with the exception of semifinals, which will be decided based on the teams who qualify for the last four. Last year's losing finalist, Al Nasr are grouped with Muscat, Bausher, Dhofar and Sohar. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the double-leg semifinals which will be held on home and away basis between November 11 and 15. The third place play-off will take place on November 17 and the final will be played on November 20 or 25. Times of Oman