DOHA – Judges here Friday openly deprived Iran’s 78kg taekwondo player Mehdi Bibak of the top title in a bid to add a gold medal to host Qatar’s asset at the 15th Asian Games.

The Iranian was announced the 8-5 loser while he was at least denied five points.

Bibak’s teammate Behzad Khodadad, who represented Iran in the 58kg, was also a victim of misjudgment, snatching the bronze earlier in the day.

Khodadad, who lost 1-0 in the first round, fought back to hold his South Korean rival to a 3-3 stalemate in the second round, but misjudgment deprived him of the final spot, giving the Korean a 5-4 victory at the third time.

Iran took a bronze medal in the 72kg category Thursday as the injured title holder and Asian champion Hadi Saii and Afghanistan's Nesar Ahmad Bahave tied at No. 3.

Iran stuns Saudi Arabia at handball meet

Iran celebrated its second victory over Saudi Arabia to raise its hopes on advancement to the next round.

In an action-filled match, Iran crushed the Saudi side 28-19.

Iran’s 1,500m runner qualifies for Asian final

Iranian runner Sajjad Moradi advanced to the final of the 1,500m event here Friday.

Moradi stood third with a 3min 51.11sec time.

Runners from Bahrain Qatar took the top and second places.

The qualified runners will race in the final Sunday.