Courtesy: FINA
The FINA Men’s Water Polo World League first round of the European preliminary phase was played yesterday evening, Tuesday October 23, in various European cities.
The Russians beat Malta 18-5 (2-1; 5-2; 3-2; 8-0) Gzira (MLT), while the Netherlands, playing at home, defeated Ukraine 15-5 (2-0; 2-3; 5-1; 6-1).
The Barcelona game between Spain and Greece was the tightest last night with a 5-7 final score for the Greeks (1-4; 1-2; 2-1; 1-0).
Montenegro defeated the Italians 11-8 in Podgorica (MNE), after a decisive final quarter (2-3; 4-2; 2-2; 3-0) and finally the World champions Croatia crushed Romania 17-4 (4-1; 5-1; 2-0; 6-2; 0-0) in Sibenik (CRO).
Provisional ranking
GROUP A: 1. Russia 3pts; 2. Hungary 0; 3. Germany 0; 4. Malta 0
GROUP B: 1. Netherlands 3pts; 2. Greece 3pts; 3. Spain 0; 4. Ukraine 0
GROUP C: 1. Montenegro 2pts; 2. Italy 0; 3. France 0
GROUP D: 1. Croatia 3pts; 2. Serbia 0; Romania 0
Results & ranking available here.
The last game of the first round between Hungary and the Germany will be held tonight, Wednesday October 24, in Szolnok (HUN).
The second round of the European preliminaries will be played on November 13.
All games can be re-watch on VOD on FINAtv and most games will be live streamed throughout the World League season on the same platform.
The FINA Women’s Water Polo World League kicks-off on Tuesday November 3.