The favorites had relatively easy tasks on Day 1 of the men’s water polo tournament at the World University Games in Chengdu.
The closest game of the day was the only encounter between the European teams. Hungary beat Germany 18:13 in Group A. Germany had a strong offense and trailed by one goal at halftime (7:8). Still, Hungary ultimately secured a comfortable victory thanks to the efforts of Bendeguz Ekler and Benedek Baksa, who scored half of the goals of the winning team – Ekler found the net five, and Benedek four times.
The Greeks, who did not play on Day 1, trashed Singapore in their opening match.
In Group B, the USA easily defeated Slovakia 16:3 after a balanced first quarter (1:1). Italy and Georgia had no trouble against their Asian opponents, with Italy winning 17:7 over China and Georgia beating South Korea 19:7.
2023 World University Games, men’s water polo tournament, Day 2
Group A
Singapore – Greece 5:26 (1:7, 1:4, 2:8, 1:7)
Hungary – Germany 18:13 (5:4, 3:3, 5:4, 5:2)
Japan bye
Standings: 1. Hungary 6 points (2 games), 2. Greece 3 (1), 3. Germany 3 (2), 4. Japan 0 (1), 5. Singapore 0 (2).
Group B
USA – Slovakia 16:3 (1:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:0)
South Korea – Georgia 7:19 (0:5, 2:4, 2:5, 3:5)
Italy – China 17:7 (3:0, 4:2, 3:3, 7:2)
Standings:1. Italy 6, 2. Georgia 6, 3. USA 3, 4. Slovakia 3, 5. China 0, 6. South Korea 0.
