Russia and Italy advanced to consolation final for the 5th place of the World Championship women’s water polo tournament in Gwangju.
Russia trashed Greece in today’s semifinals for places 5th-8th (13:4). Italy defeated the Netherlands 10:5.
Canada beat Kazakhstan in the game for the 9th place (24:7). China finished 11th, as it was better than New Zealand today (14:12).
18th FINA World Championships, women’s water polo tournament, Day 6
Classification 5th-8th place, semifinals
Greece – Russia 4:13 (0:2, 1:2, 2:4, 1:5)
Greece: Stamatopoulou (7 saves), Tsoukala, Benekou, Eleftheridou, Patra, Avramidou 1, Asimaki 1, Chydirioti, Kotsia, Ninou, Plevritou 2, Xenaki, Kotsioni. Head coach: Morfesis.
Russia: Golovina (2 saves), Bersneva 3, Prokofyeva 1, Karimova 3, Tolkunova , Gorbunova 1, Serzhantova, Simanovich, Timofeeva, Soboleva 2, Ivanova 1, Ryzhakova 2, Karnaukh (12 saves). Head coach:Gaidukov.
Extra player: Greece 6 (3), Russia 6(3).
Russia recovered after a 7:9 loss to Australia in the quarterfinals, while the Greeks obviously aren’t in a good form, as they suffered three big losses in the matches against high-class teams – Spain (4:14), USA (5:15) and Russia (4:13). Playing superb in defense, the Russians were building a big lead step-by-step. The opening 3:0 rush determined the rest of the match. The Russians were 8:2 up in the middle of the third period and cruised to a win.
Netherlands – Italy 5:10 (1:3, 2:3, 1:2, 1:2)
Netherlands: Koenders (11 saves), Megens 3, Genee, Van der Sloot 1, Wolves, Stomphorst, Rogge, Sevenich, Keuning 1, Koolhaas, Van de Kraats, Voorvelt, Buis . Head coach: Havenga.
Italy: Gorlero (12 saves), Tabani 1, Garibotti 1 , Avegno 4, Queirolo 1, R. Aiello, Picozzi, Bianconi 1, Emmolo 1, Palmieri, Chiappini 1 , Viacava , Lavi. Head coach: Conti.
Extra player: Netherlands 11 (3), Italy 7 (1). Penalties: Netherlands 1 (1), Italy 3 (2).
A winner in the second semifinal for places 5th-8th was also decided before the last eight minutes. Italy controlled the match. The Italians had a 6:3 lead at halftime, while Avegno opened the third period with a goal for 7:3. The Netherlands, the European champion, came to 4:7 in the middle of the period. Italy’s captain Elisa Queirolo gave her team an 8:4 advantage with a nice goal 50 seconds from the last break. The Dutch, who made a lot of mistakes, especially in offense, couldn’t come back after that.
Classification 9th -12th
For the 9th place
Canada – Kazakhstan 24:7 (7:3, 5:1, 4:1, 8:2)
Canada: E. Wright 5, Bekhazi 5, McKee 4, Alogbo 3, Christmas 3, Eggens 2, Fournier 1, Crevier 1.
Kazakhstan:Mirishina 2, Roga 2, Muravyeva 1, Yeremina 1, Myrzabekova 1.
Canada, which was 4th at the 2017 World Championships, finished in the 9th place in Gwangju.
The Kazakhs had an opening 1:0 and 2:1 lead. But the Canadians, led by Ema Wright and Jolie Bekhazi, rushed to a 12:3 advantage (15th minute) and secured a win.
For the 11th place
China – New Zealand 14:12 (4:2, 3:2, 4:2, 3:6)
China: J. Zhang 3, H. Wang 2, X. Wang 2, Xiong 2, D. Zhang 2, Mei 1, Niu 1, C. Zhang 1.
New Zealand: Houghton 4, McDowall 4, Doyle 3, Lemon 1.
China dominated the match for the 11th place. The Chinese were leading from the beginning. Early in the fourth period, China was 12:6 up, while it had a 14:9 advantage two minutes from the end. The Asians allowed three goals in the last two minutes, but they kept a win – 14:12.
Final standings
9 Canada
10 Kazakhstan
11 China
12 New Zealand
13 Japan
14 South Africa
15 Cuba
16 South Korea
For more information about the Water Polo World Championship in Gwangju 2019 visit our tournament page or follow our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
