Meanwhile, the Galadari Group-backed Zob-Ahan from Iran, will clash for third place against Jordan’s Fast Link at 5pm.

The tournament is held under the patronage of His Highnesss Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The Steelfab-sponsored Sporting Basketball Club from Lebanon beat all the odds and smashed the hopes of the pre-tournament favourites Fast Link with a sweeping 117-70 victory to the delight of the big crowd which packed the 5,000-seats capacity Maktoum bin Mohammed indoor hall at the Al Ahli Club.

The unstoppable Lebanese magicians had a flying start of the match without giving a chance to their opponents, taking their breath away and went 21 points clear in the first five minutes of the wide open contest.

Meanwhile, the Jordanians made some courageous moves to return to the match without much success since the Lebanese have already established a very strong foothold on and off the court. Thousands of the handsome young boys and ladies waved the Lebanese flag and sang lovely songs in support of their team.

In another clash, Al Jazira from Egypt earned a narrow 73-66 victory over the fighting Zob-Ahan, playing in the blue colours of Galadari Group. According to the Iranian coach Sadegh Zadah, they have benefited a lot from playing against strong sides from Africa and Asia and if they happen to be back next year, they would be one of the hot favourites for the title.

“We are playing with half of our real strength. Our best player Jaber has been away from the court for the last two months as he was sick and we tried to give more chance to return to his best form as quickly as possible,” he said.

Regarding the chances of winning a podium place, Zadah said they have big hopes to beat the Jordanians and walk away with the third place honours.

“I think we are in a better position, but in all cases I’m quite satisfied with what we have achieved. We have some important commitments ahead and this is a very good break for the players to get ready for their tough league tests,” he added.

Al Jazira's Italian coach Mario Blazoni believed that it was better for them to play against the Iranians in the semifinal than to take on Blue Stars from Lebanon, pointing out that the Persians are less experienced though they have some good and promising young players.