RIVERSIDE, DAY 1: AUSTRALIA STUNS CHINA 13-10
WOMEN’S WORLD LEAGUE 2014 – The FINA Women’s Intercontinental Water Polo Tournament kicked off in Riverside, Cal. (USA) on May 20 with 8 teams vying for a Super Final spot at the end of the six-day qualification event.
In the tournament’s first encounters, 2013 World silver medallist Australia faced pressure from defending World League champions China, eventually winning 13-10. Reigning Olympic champions USA defeated Japan 14-5, Brazil topped Venezuela 12-2, and Canada crushed Kazakhstan 21-7.
The match schedule of today May 21 (local time) is as follows:
3pm: Venezuela vs China
4.30pm: Canada vs Japan
6pm: Australia vs Brazil
7.30pm: USA vs Kazakhstan
World League participation and honours – The FINA Women’s World League was launched in 2004. Australia’s best result in the event is a second-place finish in 2007, 2010 and 2012. Brazil took part in three editions, placing eighth in 2006. Canada was a World League silver medallist in 2009. China’s first podium appearance in the event was in 2010, capturing bronze.
The Chinese proceeded to clinch their first international water polo title at the 2013 edition. Japan took part in four editions, taking seventh in 2008. Kazakhstan competed in the inaugural edition in 2004, finishing eighth while Venezuela is taking part in their first World League. Last but not least, Team USA holds a record seven World League crowns. Australia, Canada and USA never missed a World League edition.
MEN’S INTERCONTINENTAL TOURNAMENT – Meanwhile, the men’s teams of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Kazakhstan and USA are gearing up for the FINA Men’s Intercontinental Tournament to be held in Shanghai, China, from May 27 to June 1, 2014.
Photo Credit: FINA
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