The male water polo teams had a day off at the University Games in Chengdu, while women played the games in the second round.
Host China caused a surprise by beating the only European team in the tournament, Italy. Nine goals separated the rivals at the end of the match. The Chinese play with a roster with several players who won 13th place at the recently finished World Championships in Fukuoka .
China earned a 3-goal lead in an 11-goal first quarter (7:4). The Chinese did a great job in the middle two quarters, and jumped to 14:5 before the final eight minutes. Each side scored three goals apiece in the final period, so the Asians kept a 9-goal advantage – 17:8. Two Chinese players scored as many goals as all the Italians together. Huan Wang found the net five, and Siya Yan three times. Chiarra Ranalli scored three for Italy.
Japan beat South Africa by six goals (15:9). South Africa easily beat Singapore 17:6.
2023 World University Games, women’s water polo tournament, Day 2
Japan – South Africa 15:9 (6:2 5:2, 2:2, 2:3)
Australia – Singapore 17:6 (5:2, 5:1, 4:1, 3:2)
Italy – China 8:17 (4:7, 1:3, 0:4, 3:3)
Standings: 1. China 6, 2. Australia 6, 3. Italy 3, 4. Japan 3, 5. Singapore 0, 6. South Africa 0.
