clash of the middle east

IRAQ has gone against all odds to book a berth in the final of the Asian Cup after narrowly edging South Korea 4-3 on penalties.

The war torn nation will meet Saudi Arabia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta this Sunday.

Saudi had earlier beaten Japan 3-2 in the other semi final.

IN Jordan, there were cheers for the national camp after youngster Lee Hup Wei created history after winning a gold medal in the high jump event of the Asian Track and Field championships.

The 20 year old Dengkil athlete cleared 2.24m in his attempt.

BACK home, Nicol Ann David and Mohd Azlan Iskandar pulled through to the semi final of the Malaysian Open while Ong Beng Hee was almost in tears after losing in the quarter final against Cameron Pilley.

Both the Grinham sisters- Rachael and Natalie- are in the semi finals while the other semi finalist is Tania Bailey. Stewart Boswell plays Pilley while Azlan will face Lee Beachill in the other semi final.

-The Man Who Sold The World-

Iraqis celebrate in style. Pic by Adrees Latif (Reuters)