It was tight throughout. The UAE maintained a 13-12 lead at halftime and never allowed Oman to regain it, demonstrating their composure until the final whistle. That result follows a draw with Bahrain in round one and a loss to Qatar in round two — so Monday's win was overdue.

Qatar, meanwhile, has yet to drop a point. They came from behind to beat Bahrain 31-30, having trailed 16-15 at the break, and finished the opening round with a maximum six points from three wins.

The UAE and Bahrain ended the round level on three points each—both sides drew with one another, then split their other two matches between a win and a loss. Oman finished at the bottom of the group without a point.

A draw will now decide which of the UAE and Bahrain takes second place. Whoever wins that draw goes through to face Qatar in Wednesday's final; the other side plays Oman for third. Tuesday is a rest day before those matches close out the tournament.