The Armenian national ice hockey team suffered its first defeat at the home Division IV World Championship, losing a dramatic overtime battle to Kuwait with a score of 4–5.
Following an impressive victory over tournament favorite Uzbekistan, the Armenian squad unexpectedly fell short against Kuwait. By the middle of the second period, the visitors led 4–0 thanks to a brace from Valery Budzevich and goals by Ilya Drozdetskikh and Boyan Zidarevich.
But the hosts refused to give up. Artem Kuznetsov and Ilya Kryvykh reduced the deficit before the second intermission. In the third period, Tigran Manukyan scored twice to tie the game and send it to overtime. There, Ilya Drozdetskikh once again showcased his skills, netting the game-winning goal for Kuwait.
This loss significantly complicates Armenia’s chances of advancing to Division III. Uzbekistan now tops the standings with 7 points and remains the favorite in its remaining games against Malaysia and Indonesia. Armenia is in second place with 6 points and will face Iran and Indonesia in the final rounds.
The tournament continues, and Armenia will need to give its all to keep its promotion hopes alive.