Italy cemented 1st place in Group B of the men’s water polo tournament at the University Games in Chengdu.
The “Settebello” played against Georgia in the most anticipated match of Day 4. Both teams had three wins before the fourth round. Italy came out victorious, securing a 13:9 win.
The Italian team dominated the first quarter and built a 6:2 advantage. Georgia’s efforts to catch up ended with no success. Italy maintained the four-goal difference and secured first place in Group B a round before the end. Eduardo Campopiano was the best scorer for Italy, scoring three goals.
The USA faced South Korea and recorded a 17:8 victory, with Wade Sherlock scoring four goals for the American team, which will meet Georgia in Round 5 in a decisive game for 2nd place.
Host China beat Slovakia by two goals (12:10) and came close to the quarterfinals. Ziqian Liang scored four goals for the Chinese team.
China plays against South Korea in the Asian derby in the last round tomorrow. The hosts need a win to finish fourth and qualify for the quarterfinals regardless of the other results.
There was no excitement in Group A today. Greece defeated Japan 22:11. Ioannis Kechalaris scored five, and Dimitrios Dimou four goals for the winning team. Japan’s Shotaro Hata found Greece’s net four times.
Germany blew Singapore away – 23:2.
Hungary, which had a day off, will probably keep the top spot in Group A. Hungary will face Greece tomorrow. The Hungarians won’t stay in 1st place only if they lose by six goals.
There were no games in the women’s tournament today.
2023 World University Games, men’s water polo tournament, Day 4
Group A
Greece – Japan 22:11 (6:3, 7:3, 3:3, 6:2)
Germany – Singapore 23:2 (5:0, 5:1, 8:0,5:1)
Hungary bye
Standings: 1. Hungary 9 points (3 games), 2. Germany 9 (4), 3. Greece 6 (3), 4. Japan 0 (3), 5. Singapore 0 (3).
Group B
Italy – Georgia 13:9 (6:2, 1:1, 3:3, 3:3)
USA – South Korea 17:8 (2:1, 5:2, 5:3, 5:2)
Slovakia – China 10:12 (3:3, 3:3, 2:3, 2:3)
Standings: 1. Italy 12, 2. USA 9, 3. Georgia 9, 4. China 3, 5. Slovakia 3, 6. South Korea 0.
