While the end of the World Championships in Fukuoka has been approaching, the water polo tournament at the World University Games (formerly known as the Universiade) in Chengdu (China) has started.
The first round of the men’s tournament was completed. Eleven teams, split into two groups, play. After the group stage the top four from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
There were no exciting games in Group A on the opening day. Hungary smashed Singapore 27:2, while Germany beat Japan 14:8. Greece had a day off.
The competition in Group B started with two interesting matches. Slovakia struggled but beat South Korea – 11:9 in the first match (the teams were tied at 6:6 at halftime).
Italy and the USA faced off in the derby of Day 1. The Americans got off to a better start. They led 5:4 at the first break and entered the second half leading 8:7. Still, the Italians tightened their defense in the second half while the attack, with Alessandro Vitale (5 goals), worked well, and the Europeans recorded a 13:11 victory.
Georgia was better than host China – 13:7.
The men’s tournament continues on Saturday.
Six teams participate in the women’s tournament. They are all in the same group: Italy, China, Japan, Singapore, Australia and South Africa. The first round is scheduled for Sunday.
2023 World University Games, men’s water polo tournament, Day 1
Group A
Japan – Germany 8:14 (3:6, 1:1, 3:3, 1:4)
Singapore – Hungary 2:27 (0:5, 0:8, 1:6, 1:8)
Greece bye
Group B
Slovakia – South Korea 11:9 (2:2, 4:4, 2:1, 3:2)
Italy – USA 13:11 (4:5, 3:3, 3:1, 3:2)
China – Georgia 7:13 (2:3, 1:5, 2:3, 2:2)
