Women’s Waterpolo World League Press release courtesy of FINA
After the conclusion of the Intercontinental Tournament in Auckland (NZL), held from April 28-May 3, the eight teams participating in the Super Final of the 2015 FINA Women’s Water Polo World League are now selected: in New Zealand, the squads of United States, Australia, Canada, China and Brazil earned their ticket to the decisive stage of the competition, to be held in Shanghai (CHN) on June 9-14. They will join the European qualifiers, Italy, Netherlands and Russia.
In Auckland, Olympic champions USA were the winners of the tournament, after beating Australia in the final game of the six-day competition. Tied at 8-8 after the four periods, the North Americans were better in the penalty shootout, triumphing by 12-10. In the match for the bronze medal, Canada concluded its participation in New Zealand by a 9-7 over China.
Besides these four semi-finalists, the fifth spot in Auckland also ensured the ticket for the Super Final: in the duel opposing Brazil to Kazakhstan, the 2016 Olympic hosts were stronger, with a 7-4 victory and a place for the Shanghai tournament.
New Zealand and Japan were the last contenders in action at the West Waves Aquatic Centre, with the locals beating Japan by 13-10 for the seventh place of the competition.
The final ranking of this Intercontinental Tournament was as follows:
1. United States; 2. Australia; 3. Canada; 4. China; 5. Brazil; 6. Kazakhstan; 7. New Zealand; 8. Japan
Teams qualified for the Super Final of the 2015 FINA Women’s Water Polo World League:
Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Netherlands, Russia (replacing Spain, after its withdrawal) and United States.