JORDAN DEBUT AT 3x3 WORLD CUP

 Jordan’s learning curve in the world of 3x3 basketball has continued at the FIBA U18 3x3 World Cup in Chengdu, China.

Just four months ago the sport was not even officially recognised in Jordan, but the newly formed committee accepted a last minute invitation from basketball’s world governing body FIBA to step in for Kyrgyzstan who had to withdraw.

But luck was not on Jordan’s side on Day One as they faced Group D’s top two sides Romania and Belgium.

An injury to talisman Abdullah Al Sawalhi during the first match to Romania made life even tougher for Jordan who played well during the 18-9 defeat to the tournament fourth seeds.

With a man down, meaning they were unable to sub during game two, Jordan found the impressive Belgians a tougher proposition and eventually lost 21-3 as legs tired.

But it was a landmark day for Jordan which is trying to build the sport here following its inclusion to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

They have a day off now on Thursday to regroup and hope that the injury to Al Sawalhi will not be as bad as first feared. On Friday they will complete their programme by facing Uganda and Indonesia.