Women’s Games Gold Medal: Greece vs. Hungary

POLO AIR INDONESIA-Greece’s youngsters played like true champions as they tore the heart out of their Hungarian rivals with a spell-binding 9-5 women’s gold-medal victory on Sunday, played in front of 1100 fans.

Competing in a pool that has seen its fair share of FINA water polo medals awarded, the Greeks were forceful in all facets of the game and were not backward in coming forward when it came to taking lower-percentage shots at goal. Some came off, others didn’t.

Greece was on top from the start to the finish and kept Hungary scoreless until midway through the second period. Goals were hard to come by with the tournament’s best goalkeeper Chrysoula Diamantopoulou (GRE) rising high and presenting a formidable presence.

But her work was made easier by the quick-moving defence at one end and the accurate attack at the other, spearheaded by Stefania Charalampidi, a left-hander whose mirror identical twin Ioanna was playing the other side of the pool.

Super coach Georgios Morfesis, victorious with the Greece women in Shanghai last year, now has another world title in his collection.

“My emotions are all over the place, I’m really happy,” Morfesis said. “This is my second time getting a world championship gold medal, and I’m very proud that I coached both of the teams.”

“I’m very proud of the girls. They are a very talented team. They showed it in the previous years with their gold medal in the European championship. And the future belongs to them.”

Greece kept Hungary scoreless in the first quarter by a variety of factors from poor shooting, wood hits and excellent Greek defence.

Greece opened early through 15-year-old Eleftheria Plevritou, who is three years younger than centre-forward sister Margarita, who is also on the team.

Standout centre forward Alkistis Benekou used her power shooting on extra-man attack to close the period at 2-0, three seconds from the buzzer.

Eleftheria Plevritou repeated her shooting antics, this time from well outside, for the first goal more than three minutes into the quarter for 3-0.

Brigitta Horvath opened Hungary’s account from centre forward on the next attack but Ioanna Charalampidi on the deep left and Stefania Charalampidi on the right proved fatal for Hungary with Stefania scoring two after her sister for a 6-2 turnaround margin.

With the match stretching to 7-2 when Aikaterini Zantou shot a lob on the first attack, Hungary’s hopes seemed dashed. However, Hungary persevered despite the smothering defence forcing shots wide. That perseverance was rewarded when Diana Ziegler was swift on extra man, firing in a rocket for 7-2 at the two-minute mark.

Greece was still playing on high-octane fuel and Stefania Charalampidi brought up her third with a skip for 8-3 six seconds from the final break.

Benekou made sure of a margin worthy of a champion from centre forward on the first attack. However, Hungary scored the final two goals but the last came from long range, 2:30 from time. Greece closed the gate and made sure of gold and then started the celebrations.

Stefania Charalampidi said it was a fantastic feeling to win gold and said their journey to get here made the victory even better.

“In the beginning we weren’t practising as a team, because we were missing a few of the girls. When we started, against Russia, we weren’t going so well, but as we played on we got better and better as a team.”

Hungary’s stars Anna Illes and Alexa Gemes were kept scoreless as Hungary struggled to find a purchase in any part of the game. Timeouts in the second and third quarters failed to earn goals, while several certain goals hit wood on the goalkeeper.

Hungarian coach Attila Mihok was disappointed with the loss, but said the girls would learn immensely from their efforts.

“I am feeling very bad and very disappointed,” Mihok said.

“I think Greece was better in every position today. They deserved the win, the score was normal. But this team is going up.”

Story by Russell McKinnon

Greece vs. Hungary

Result: Greece 9 beat Hungary 5

Quarters: (2-0, 4-2, 2-1, 1-2)

Scorers GRE: Eleftheria Plevritou 3, Stefania Charalampidi 3, Aikaterini Zantou, Ioanna Charalampidi, Alkistis Benekou

Scorers HUN: Diana Ziegler, Ibolya Miskolczi, Krisztina Garda, Brigitta Horvath

Greece: Chrysoula Diamantopoulou, Alkistis Benekou, Eleftheria Plevritou, Ioli Benekou, Eleni Xenaki, Ioanna Charalampidi, Aikaterini Zantou, Margarita Plevritou, Christina Kotsia, Stefania Charalampidi, Marina Florou, Stamatina Kontogianni, Stefania Terefou

Hungary: Anna Horvath, Annan Illes, Diana Ziegler, Greta Gurisatti, Ibolya Miskolczi, Vivien Kovesdi, Alexa Gemes, Krisztina Garda, Diana Sik

Perth 2012, Day 9 (Men): Italy world champion after rugged gold-medal final WORLD YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS

Russell McKinnon, FINA Press Commission Member

POLO AIR INDONESIA - December 9, 2012 PERTH - Italy beat Hungary 10-8 in a spiteful men’s gold-medal match at the FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships at Perth’s Challenge Stadium today. The game erupted into minor violence with 39 major fouls awarded and depleted benches at either end of the pool. About 1200 people witnessed excitement beyond their dreams and stayed for the medal ceremonies and watch the Italian men’s team jump into the water with their track tops and medals around their necks.

Serbia came from behind with two big Ognjen Stojanovic shots to defeat pre-tournament favourite Croatia 8-7 for the bronze medal. In the clash for fifth and sixth, Greece emerged, as expected, with an untroubled 14-5 decision over Romania. The Romanians had just played two hard matches in a row and could not produce anything of note in the second half where Greece led 7-4. Australia proved to be the best team outside Europe, leading 3-0 against the United States of America, winning 5-4 after needing two go-ahead goals in fourth quarter of the classification for seventh. It was Australia’s fifth win of a hectic week.

Semi Final Round

Sat 8 December
60	TRI	vs	RSA	8-10
61	COL	vs	KAZ	11-7
62	EGY	vs	UZB	5-6
63	IRI	vs	CAN	8-11
64	BRA	vs	NZL	12-9
65	AUS	vs	GRE	9-10
66	USA	vs	ROU	10-12
67	HUN	vs	SRB	9-8
68	CRO	vs	ITA	9-10
Sun 9 December Final
69	AUS	vs	USA	5-4
70	GRE	vs	ROU	14-5
71	SRB	vs	CRO	8-7
72	HUN	vs	ITA	8-10

FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships Day 7 men’s wrap: CRO, SRB, ITA and HUN blast into semis

POLO AIR INDONESIA - Croatia, Serbia, Italy and Hungary are all guaranteed to play for a medal in the men’s competition after winning their respective quarterfinals on a thrilling Day 7.

The first two quarterfinals were contrasting fixtures with first Croatia crushing the USA 17-7 after opening up a 7-0 lead in the second quarter before the Serbians came from a goal down with less than three minutes to go to defeat Greece 9-8.

The third and fourth quarterfinals saw Italy struggle to put away Romania before winning 6-3 and Hungary proving too strong across the pool for host nation Australia, getting home 14-7.

Croatia’s victory was their fifth in succession at the tournament and they displayed the sort of form that will take a huge performance to top. They were impressive in all facets of play, particularly in extraman where they rotated between a four-two and a three-three structure.

Goalkeeper Ivan Marcelic was sensational for Croatia, Luka Bukic snared an exciting final quarter hat-trick and Antun Goreta ended the game with four to top the scoresheet.

A chuffed Croatian coach Mate Zeljak was suitably impressed by his troops.

“We expected a little bit more from the USA but you cant blame them because my boys play very well, were very motivated and I’m really proud of them,” Zeljak said.

“We tried to play hard defence and patiently in attack and the boys played at a high level.”

Zeljak singled out his ‘keeper Marcelic for extra praise.

“Our goalkeeper is a standout. He’s our captain and for years he’s making wonderful saves. He’s brilliant.”

In the see-sawing Serbia-Greece game the Serbians came from a goal down with about two and a half minute to go to firstly level at 8-8, before going ahead courtesy of thunderbolts from Dusan Mandic and Dorde Tanaskovic. Star driver Ognjen Stojanovic was the hero for Serbia with four goals, while Chrys Chrysospathis led his team’s scoring, also with four.

The first three quarters were a mirror of each other with both teams bagging two goals each term.

The Greeks threatened to pull away in the third – twice going ahead by a single goal margin – but a third to Stojanovic and another to Nikola Jaksic kept the Greeks in check.

Chrysospathis added two more in the final term to once again put Greece ahead, but the reliable arm of Stojanovic, to go with the wonder strikes from Mandic and Tanaskovic, proved too powerful.

Stojanovic, who’s three of four goals came during extra-man, said the team knew Greece was a good outfit but did not expect such a strong challenge from them.

“The game was good, but very hard. We expected to win, but we thought it would be by a bigger margin,” Stojanovic said.

“Greece is a very good team though, so I’m glad we won”.

Surprisingly to many, the plucky Romanians pushed Italy all the way in the third quarterfinal. Italy had been very impressive in the group stage of the tournament and many had expected a cakewalk but

Andrea Fondelli put his team ahead after three minutes with a penalty blast into the top left corner of the goals. The Italians settled into the contest and with goals to Gianluigi Foglio, then Fondelli again, gave them breathing space at 3-0 to complete the first quarter.

Romania got the tonic they required through an early second quarter goal to Bogdan Paleacu. The Romanians had the better of the term and made it count with a bullet from long range by Tudor Neagu just before the half, closing the gap on the Italians to one.

The Italians drought in front of goal extended to the best part of two quarters as they squandered extra man opportunities. However, Romania were having similar attacking issues and could not make any headway. Finally, Fondelli scored his third for Italy but Romania would not slink off, quickly answering with a score to Cristian Calin.

The arm wrestle continued into the final quarter with Romania attempting to score first and get the match onto an even keel. Allessandro Velotto and Vincenzo Dolce (ITA) had other ideas though working a one-two, allowing Velotto to slot home from range. Fondelli, the man who caused the Romanians the most headaches throughout, fittingly, scored his fourth to seal the game at 6-3.

Australia had the backing of a vocal home crowd but for the second night in a row – following the Aussie women’s team’s 10-3 loss to the Hungarians last night – the locals were just a step behind their opposition.

It did take the Hungarians until midway through the second period to start really asserting their authority but when they did they were lethal, employing a dynamic physical approach that crippled the fast flowing attack of the Australians.

For the victors Balint Lorincz snared with and Toni Nemet three, while rising Aussie 16-year-old Luke Pavillard also scored a treble.

Brazil and New Zealand won their respective games in the classification stage that will eventually sort out places 9-12.

The Brazilians led 5-2 at quarter time but couldn’t put the Iranians away as the lead hovered around the three goal mark until they put some more distance in over the last quarter when The final quarter saw Henrique Vasconcelo score his fourth and fifth of the match, and Pedro Stellet sealed the win with a whopping seven goals, for a 21-14 victory.

In the New Zealand versus Canada game a 5-1 third quarter blew the game apart for the Kiwis as the teams shared 3-3 first and second quarters.

Canada showed some spark to threaten at times in the last quarter but third goals of the night to Daniel Kayes and Anton Sunde saw New Zealand snuff out the last of the resistance, taking the win 14-11.

In the earlier games, Trinidad and Tobago got their first win of the tournament when they defeated Peru 13-8. Russell Ferreira and Jonathan Gillette were the heroes for Trinidad and Tobago as they netted eight goals between them to help set up a 17th v 18th playoff against South Africa tomorrow. The young Peruvian side finished 19th but will have learned plenty from the experience of playing the world’s best youth teams.

Egypt put in their best performance of the tournament to defeat Colombia 10-6 in their classification stage match that will eventually decide places 13-16. With Mostafa Mohamed a rock in goals and some smothering defence that kept Colombia’s danger men in check for much of the game the Egyptians deserved victory. Despite the four goal margin there wasn’t a lot of difference between the two teams – Egypt perhaps made better decisions and were more accurate as the shot clock wound down. They also kept, Juan Pablo Padilla, Colombia’s tournament leading scorer coming into the game, off the scoresheet until the last few minutes of the fourth term.

The Egyptians will play Uzbekistan who produced a stunning comeback to defeat neighbours Kazakhstan 9-7. The Kazakhs had led 7-4 at halftime but, inspired by the tournament’s most prolific goalscorer, Kirill Rustamov, Uzbekistan scored 1-0 and 4-0 wins in the final two terms to win through. As has been the case in all of their games, Rustamov was dynamic netting seven goals to bring his tournament total to 35

FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships

POLO AIR INDONESIA-Day 7 action saw the women’s semi finals and wins from Hungary and Greece to propel them into the gold medal match on Sunday afternoon.

Hungary toppled Russia 14-11, whilst Greece put paid to the USA’s dreams of gold with a solid 8-3 win.

In Hungary’s victory they were more technically skilled than Russia, the deciding factor being their four from five extra-man conversion rate compared to Russia’s inaccurate 3 from 10.

A slow start for Russia saw Hungary convert four easy goals in the first term, before Anastasia Simanovich scored her first of five to get her team on the board. Although Russia’s offence was much stronger in the second quarter, Hungary kicked away even further to lead 10-5 at the main break and it proved to be enough.

Hungarian star Annan Illes, who was one of three on her team to bag a treble, was over the moon.

“I’m very happy and very proud of my team. It was just the best. We were a team, a very good team.”

In the other semi, Greece blew the US away with a blistering second quarter.

United States looked to have the better of the chances during the opening quarter with a slender 2-1 lead but goals either side of quarter time to Melissa Bergesen (USA) prompted a Greek turnaround.

Four goals in three minutes changed the complexion of the match in Greece’s favour, with a two goal deficit turning quickly to a two goal lead. The Americans appeared rattled through the second term and must have been relieved to head for the break at 3-6 – such was the irresistible play of the Greeks.

Greece then shut the US attack down and scored the only two goals of the second half – both in the third quarter for a comprehensive win.

Greece’s coach Georgios Morfesis is now one game away from consecutive world championship gold medals after leading the senior team to victory in Shanghai last year. He said he was happy with the direction Greek water polo was taking.

“We are getting better and better. With this win it proves how strong Greek women’s water polo is, at a very high level. As well as the senior women our young girls are also good. The future belongs to them,” Morfesis said.

The day’s most exciting game involved a thrilling 11-10 overtime victory to New Zealand over Brazil in the classification semi final to decide fifth to eighth.

The match appeared headed Brazil’s way with a pair of 3-1 quarter scores to begin the game and even had an 8-6 three-quarter-time lead.

However, the nocturnal Kiwis came out of hibernation with a pair of 4-2 quarters to snatch extra time and eventually score the winning goal 1:13 from the second overtime period buzzer, averting a penalty shootout.

Both teams did their homework and kept the other’s leading scorer quiet for the first half but they snuck through for goals in the second half. Izabella Chiappini (BRA) had 28 goals before the match and Caitlin Lopes Da Silva (NZL) 13. They ended this game with two and three respectively.

The Kiwis will play Canada for fifth tomorrow after the North Americans upset Australia 16-7 with a clinical performance at both ends of the pool in six on five situations. Their extra-man play was too powerful for the Aussies and they converted 8 from 13 offensive chances, whilst restricting the locals to just two goals from 11 attempts.

The Australians were actually in the match at halftime, down 5-6 but the Canadians exploded in the second half, winning the quarters 4-1 and 6-1 with Rae Lekness grabbing five and Emma Wright contributing four.

The first women’s game saw South Africa overcome Uzbekistan 10-4 to claim 11th place, Kim Rosslee toping the scorecard with a treble. It was South Africa’s second win of the week following their opening 9-1 victory over Zimbabwe. Uzbekistan left the tournament with one win against Indonesia and in 12th.

In the next game Italy bounced back from a slow start to over-run the Czech Republic 24-6 for ninth place in the women’s competition. The Italians scored 15 goals to 2 in the middle two quarters.

Italy had expected to make the medal round at this tournament but found itself playing in the 9-12 classifications after losing a close group stage match to eventual finalists Hungary and a crunch second-round match to Russia 10-6.

Italian head coach Paolo Zizza expressed his disappointment in finishing ninth in the competition.

Perth 2012, Day 6 (Men): USA, Serbia, Romania and Australia win through to quarterfinals

Romania v Australia

POLO AIR INDONESIA-December 6, 2012 PERTH - United States of America, Serbia, Romania and Australia have won through to the quarterfinals of the men’s FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships in Perth, to be played on Friday. The USA takes on title favourite Croatia, Australia plays Hungary, Serbia will face Greece and Romania tackles Italy. USA earned the shot, beating Brazil 19-11; Serbia demolished Canada 17-6; Romania needed a late goal to repulse New Zealand 5-4 and Australia had the better of Iran 21-2.

In the round 13-19 quarterfinals, Egypt defeated Peru 12-2, Trinidad & Tobago was too strong for Colombia 19-10 and Uzbekistan pipped South Africa 10-8.

Thu 6 December
41	EGY	vs	PER	12-2
42	COL	vs	TRI	10-9
44	RSA	vs	UZB	8-10
45	USA	vs	BRA	19-11
47	CAN	vs	SRB	6-17
48	NZL	vs	ROU	4-5
46	AUS	vs	IRI	21-2

FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships Men’s Games: Quarterfinal: Croatia vs. United States of America

Croatia stun USA with sizzling display

A fired up Croatia has systematically crushed the United States 17-7 in the first men’s quarterfinal after jumping out to an unassailable 7-0 lead before halftime.

Croatia now faces a semi final tomorrow against the winner of tonight’s clash between Italy and Romania. The USA will play the loser of that match in the 5-8th classification.

The victory was Croatia’s fifth in succession at the tournament and on today’s display it will take a huge performance from someone to stop them winning the gold medal.

They were impressive in all facets of play, particularly in extraman where they rotated between a four-two and a three-three structure.

The Croatians jumped out of the blocks like men possessed and just after the first quarter had ticked past the halfway mark they led 4-0. Marino Cagalj got the first from 7 metres then Marino Divkovic and Ivan Zivkovic were next to score (both in extraman). Antun Goreta, who came into the game as Croatia’s leading scorer in these championships with ten, completed the rout for the quarter time score.

It took a few minutes but Deni Saric got the scoring underway in the second period and it was 7-0 before hardworking American centre-forward Alec Zwaneveld earned an exclusion allowing Chandler Jarrels-Stickney to score in extraman for his side’s first goal of the game. It had taken them just shy of 15 minutes.

Croatia scored again to make it 8-1 at halftime and with their goalkeeper Ivan Marcelic the best player in the pool the game looked well and truly over.

Chancellor Ramirez got the USA off to a better start with the first goal in the third quarter but Croatia’s next two goals were deflections off the hands of American defenders and you got the feeling it just wasn’t the USA’s day. At the final break it was 11-3.

Croatia scored another six to the USA’s four in the last quarter including an exciting hat-trick to Luka Bukic. Goreta ended the game with four to top the scoresheet.

A chuffed Croatian coach Mate Zeljak was suitably impressed by his troops.

“We expected a little bit more from the USA but you cant blame them because my boys play very well, were very motivated and I’m really proud of them,” Zeljak said.

“We tried to play hard defence and patiently in attack and the boys played at a high level.”

Zeljak singled out his ‘keeper Marcelic for extra praise.

“Our goalkeeper is a standout. He’s our captain and for years he’s making wonderful saves. He’s brilliant.”

Story by David Lyall

Croatia vs. USA

Result: Croatia 17 beat United States of America 7

Quarters: (4-0, 4-1, 3-2, 6-4)

Scorers CRO: Antun Goreta 4, Luka Bukic 3, Marino Divkovic 2, Andro Gagulic, Luka Lozina, Ivan Zivkovic, Deni Saric, Slavko Calic, Marino Cagalj, Antonio Buha, Andrija Basic

Scorers USA: Chase Reid 2, Ryder Roberts 2, Patrick Fellner, Chandler Jarrels-Stickney, Chancellor Ramirez

Croatia: Ivan Marcelic, Luka Bukic, Lovre Milos, Andro Gagulic, Slavko Calic, Marino Cagalj, Luka Lozina, Antonio Buha, Antun Goreta, Marino Divkovic, Andrija Basic, Ivan Zivkovic, Deni Saric

USA: Garrett Danner, Adam Abdilhamid, Chase Reid, Matthew Farmer, Patrick Fellner, Kent Inoue, Max Irving, Chandler Jarrels-Stickney, Chancellor Ramirez, Ryder Roberts, Connor Stapleton, Alec Zwaneveld, Kevin Levine

Women’s Games 5-8 Classification: Australia vs Canada

POLOAIR INDONESIA-The Canadian women’s team has progressed to the 5th-8th playoff with a convincing 16-7 win over Australia on Day 7 at Challenge Stadium.

Their extra-man play was too powerful as Australia struggle to a 2 from 11 and 8 from 13 against extra-man score line.

Canada had a scorcher of a start with Rae Lekness converting a 5m penalty after just 40 seconds.

Australia rebounded through goals to Jessica Zimmerman and Maddi Schmid, before Cara Robinson and Kyra Christmas (CAN) slotted home from long range to hand Canada the early advantage.

The Canadians continued their high intensity – pressuring the Australian attack and forcing numerous unforced errors – before sweeping down the pool to unnerve the Aussie defence.

Nikolina Mihaijlovic converted from extra-man with a minute left on the clock to hand Canada a 4-2 lead at quarter-time.

It was a much tighter affair in the second term, with both defences forcing a large number of long range attempts.

Canada scored their fifth through Lekness to extend their lead to three, only for Australia to peg back the margin with goals to Chloe Barr and Kassia Ralston.

Lekness continued to be a thorn in the side for Australia, whizzing another outside shot past Lilian Hedges, before Zimmerman sent in a rocket from eight metres to make it 6-5 at half time.

The Canadians exploded in the third, with Lekness, Hayley McKelvey (2) and Emma Wright all scoring.

It proved to be a winning move as Australia continued to struggle in the attacking third – their extra-man attack crumbling under pressure.

Australia found some inspiration through Madeleine Quinn who scored two second half goals, but Canada’s prowess in front of the cage was too much.

Lekness ended the game with five goals while Wright and McKelvey pitched in with four and three respectively.

Lekness, who spent five minutes searching the pool for her mouthguard after the match, said: “We kind of came together as a team and played the Canada style. We were relentless.

“It’s good to beat Australia at (its) home but the best thing was playing real solid water polo.”

Story by Lloyd Green

Australia vs. Canada

Result: Canada 16 beat Australia 7

Quarters: (4-2, 2-3, 4-1, 6-1)

Scorers CAN: Rae Lekness 5, Emma Wright 4, Hayley McKelvey 3, Nikolina Mihaijlovic, Cara Robinson, Kyra Christmas, Alexa Tielman

Scorers AUS: Jessica Zimmerman 2, Madeleine Quinn 2, Kassia Ralston, Chloe Barr, Maddi Schmid

Canada: Jessica Gaudreault, Hayley McKelvey, Rae Lekness, Rachel Krieger, Dankia Kotylak, Nikolina Mihaijlovic, Taylor Molde, Cara Robinson, Kyra Christmas, Emma Wright, Kindred Paul, Alexa Tielman, Claire Wright

Australia: Lilian Hedges, Ainsley Masek, Belinda Symons, Montana Perkins, Madeleine Quinn, Shannan Martin, Fiona Walsh, Lenke Dauda-Board, Maddison Schmid, Chloe Barr, Kassia Ralston, Jessica Zimmerman, Stephanie Calaizis

WORLD YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS Perth 2012, Day 5 (Men): Hungary, Croatia, Greece and Italy win their groups

Russell McKinnon, FINA Press Commission Member

December 5, 2012 PERTH - Men’s teams Hungary, Croatia, Greece and Italy won their groups and a fast track to the quarterfinals of the FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships at Challenge Stadium today. Hungary beat Egypt 16-5 for three straight wins in the only four-team Group A with United States sealing second berth with a handsome 17-5 margin over cross-border rival Canada.

Group B finalised its programme in the last game of the evening when Australia downed Colombia 15-2 and collected second place. Earlier, New Zealand bested South Africa 14-6 for third place and a shot at the quarterfinals. In Group C, Greece crushed Trinidad & Tobago 20-3 for a fourth consecutive win and top spot. Romania had already gained second spot on Tuesday and had today off while Iran grabbed third in a spiteful encounter with Uzbekistan, winning 13-10. Uzbekistan finished fourth and Trinidad & Tobago fifth. Group D went the way of Italy over Serbia with Italy rounding out its finals preparations with a 22-1 defeat of Peru. Brazil beat Kazakhstan 12-7 in the battle for third and fourth.

WOMEN’S

Wednesday 5 December
26	IND	vs	ZIM	0-5
27	CZE	vs	NZL	6-18
28	UZB	vs	BRA	4-20
29	HUN	vs	RSA	16-3
30	ITA	vs	RUS	6-10

MEN’S

Wed 5 December
33	EGY	vs	HUN	5-16
34	USA	vs	CAN	17-5
36	NZL	vs	RSA	14-6
37	GRE	vs	TRI	20-3
38	UZB	vs	IRI	10-13
39	PER	vs	ITA	1-22
40	BRA	vs	KAZ	12-7
35	AUS	vs	COL	15-2

Tim Putri Indonesia Tersingkir dari Piala Dunia

PERTH, POLO AIR INDONESIA - Tim polo air putri U-18 Indonesia kembali kalah dalam Piala Dunia Polo Air U-18 Putri, Selasa (4/12/2012) di Perth, Australia.

Indonesia kalah telak 2-18 dari Ceko pada laga ketiga grup A dan  tersingkir dari babak penyisihan grup Piala Dunia Polo Air Putri.

Saat melawan Ceko, Indonesia hanya mampu memberikan perlawanan di awal-awal pertandingan. Dua gol Indonesia dicetak oleh Chintya Putri dan Erica Fernanda. Pada dua laga sebelumnya, tim putri Indonesia juga  kalah telak 2-27 dari Australia dan kalah tipis 6-8 dari Uzbekistan.

Saat melawan Australia, dua gol Indonesia dicetak oleh Ariel Siwabessy. Sedangkan, enam gol saat melawan Uzbekistan dicetak oleh Ariel (3 gol), Dewi Ratih, Chintya, dan Febrika Indirawati.

"Kami memang kalah kelas dibandingkan Australia dan Ceko. Namun, anak-anak bermain bagus saat melawan Uzbekistan," kata Heru Purwanto, pengurus bidang polo air PRSI. (KOMPAS.com)

WORLD YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS Czech Republic vs. Indonesia 18-2

Czech’s sizzle against Indonesia in Perth’s heatwave

POLO AIR INDONESIA-The Czech Republic has comfortably beaten Indonesia 18 -2 in the women’s group A clash under Perth’s sweltering sun, with temperatures reaching more than 38 degrees Celsius.

The Czech’s remained dominant throughout the game, with their strong defence and even stronger offensive plays. Their strength and speed were too much for the delicate Indonesians.

Czech Republic’s Karolina Hlavata was able to find the net eight times throughout the game, with one goal in the first quarter, three in the second, two in the third and two in the fourth, while Indonesia’s Erica Fernanda and Chyntia Pradjipta Putri scored just one goal each throughout the game.

The Czech Republic has finished second in the group and will play New Zealand tomorrow for the right to progress to the quarterfinals.

Indonesia has finished fourth in the group with no wins in the first four days of the championships. They will now have a rest day before taking on the winner of India and Zimbabwe, who will clash tomorrow, in a classification game for 13th and 14th place.

Czech goalkeeper Anezka Sesulkova said despite Indonesia’s attempts, they have stronger players and scorers.

“We played very strong,” Sesulkova said. “They [Indonesia] tried to score, but we were better, we have stronger scorers.”

When asked whom they’d rather play in tomorrow’s fixture, Sesulkova said New Zealand.

“We played Canada over the holidays and it was very hard, very physical and difficult for us, so we want to play New Zealand, we can beat New Zealand.”

When asked how they felt about Perth’s soaring temperatures, she said “We’re in the pool, so it’s not the heat, it’s the sun that gets to us, it shines and we just can’t see.”

Indonesian captain Ariel Dyah Cininta Siwabessy said her team had gained much experience at the tournament and was looking forward to Thursday’s classification clash.

“We expect to meet Zimbabwe and we will fight until the end of time. Whatever the result we will still be fighting,” Siwabessy said.

“We played very well against Uzbekistan and playing Australia was a good experience, the first time we have played them.”

Story by Kally Borg

Czech Republic vs. Indonesia

Result: Czech Republic 18 bt Indonesia 2

Quarters: (5-1, 6-0, 3-1, 4-0)

Scorers CZE: Karolina Hlavata 8, Barbora Hlavata 3, Tereza Ha 3, Nikola Busauerova 2, Linda Chladkova, Aneta Sornova.

Scorers IND: Erica Fernanda, Chyntia Pradjipta Putri.

Czech Republic: Barbora Pavlikova, Nikola Busauerova, Aneta Sornova, Tereza Halova, Karolina Javurkova,  Karolina Kopencova, Karolina Hlavata, Leona Brozova, Linda Chladkova, Karolina Parabkova, Rozalie Fugnerova, Barbora Hlavata, Anezka Sesulkova

Indonesia: Ayudya Suidarwanty Pratiwi, Sarah Manzilina, Starlet Viersa Utami, Dewi Ratih, Chyntia Pradjipta Putri, Dwi Anggela Olsen Tiger, Erica Fernanda, Ariel Dyah Cininta Siwabessy, Glindra Patricia Legawa, Febrika Indirawati, Veriza Adera Pratiwi, Amanda Raudania Santoso, Aldila Putri Santoso

WORLD YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS Perth 2012, Day 3 (Men): Brazil takes on and nearly upsets Serbia

Russell McKinnon, FINA Press Commission Member

POLO AIR INDONESIA, December 3, 2012 PERTH - Brazil nearly gate-crashed Serbia’s party when they clashed in a Group D men’s match at the FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships at Perth’s Challenge Stadium on Monday. Brazil rattled in three unanswered goals to start the game and kept Serbia honest for the rest of the match. Brazil trailed 4-3 at halftime and 7-6 at three-quarter time and was just 9-8 behind inside the final five minutes before Serbian Olympic bronze medallist Dusan Mandic scored his third consecutive goal and cruised to 12-8 before conceding a late goal for 12-9. It was a fantastic effort from the Brazilians who will be hosting the 2016 Olympic Games and augurs well for the future of the game in the country.

While Brazil’s shooters were piercing Serbia’s wall at will, the closeness of the match can be laid at the feet, or more importantly, hands of goalkeeper Bernardo Campos. His blistering speed and ability to stop shots in the corners was paramount to Brazil’s ability to stay in the match. He stopped a minimum of 12 telling shots and set up goals at the other end. Finally, Serbia’s strength and calmness under pressure showed through for its third victory.

Kazakhstan scored the other Group D win, its first of the tournament, downing Peru 15-6. In Group B, Croatia slammed New Zealand 17-4 with a hat-trick from Luka Bukic, son of 1984 and 1988 Olympic champion Perica Bukic, who played for the then Yugoslavia. Fittingly, Perica’s coach from that era, current Olympic champion coach Ratko Rudic, was in the stands watching the Croatian youngsters. In the second Group A match, Australia, thanks to seven goals from Gordon Marshall, defeated South Africa 15-4.

In Group C, Greece sent off Iran 16-5 and Romania had a tough time shaking off Uzbekistan 9-8. Romania earned a brutality foul when 4-3 ahead after Abbas Sayliev (UZB) allegedly kicked his opponent in the head midway through the second period. Romania converted the penalty but in the ensuing four minutes of a man down, Uzbekistan acquitted itself well with a 1-1 scoreline. Later in the match, with Uzbekistan coming back, Romania called an illegal timeout and Kirril Rustamov, who scored 15 goals against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday, swam up to take the penalty and hopefully his fifth goal in the dying seconds but struck the left upright.

Canada beat Egypt 14-10 in the only Group A match. It was Egypt’s first game of the tournament and it played well but against a Canadian team desperate for a first victory.

Mon 3 December
17	GRE	vs	IRI	16-5
18	ROU	vs	UZB	9-8
19	PER	vs	KAZ	6-15
20	SRB	vs	BRA	12-9
21	EGY	vs	CAN	10-14
24	CRO	vs	NZL	17-4
23	AUS	vs	RSA	15-4

1st FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships: Australia vs. Indonesia 27-2

Australia vs Indonesia

Australia continue path to finals with clinical display over Indonesia

POLO AIR INDONESIA-Australia has continued their dominance in Group A with an emphatic 27-2 victory over Indonesia on day three.

The Aussie women picked up where they left off against the Czech Republic, dominating each quarter with authority.

Chloe Barr and Belinda Symons led the early scoring, running the Indonesians ragged with their array of counter attack and centre forward goals.

They received strong support from Shannan Martin, Kassia Ralston, Ainsley Masek, Jessica Zimmerman and Fiona Walsh who all converted in the first half.

Indonesian keeper Ayudya Suidarwanty Pratiwi tried valiantly to keep her team in the contest and her persistence eventual paid off.

Pratiwi blocked consecutive Australian attacks before she sent the ball long for teammate Ariel Siwabessy to convert.

Siwabessy again found the back of the net just minutes into the third term, before the Australians turned on the after burners to score 11 unanswered goals to close out the game.

Lenke Dauda-Board, Madeleine Quinn, Maddi Schmid and Montana Perkins each got their name on the scorer’s sheet with clinical finishes, while Martin, Symons, Walsh and Quinn struck again to add to their multiple hauls.

Barr, who ended the game with five as captain, said there was great satisfaction in ticking off another box in their gold medal campaign and was happy to make it two wins on the trot.

“We’re learning to work together and learning to communicate well and that is the benefit of taking it one game at a time,” Barr said.

“We paid a lot of attention to our extra man attack and to our talking and we’ve seen a massive improvement in those areas tonight from earlier in the week.”

Indonesian team manager Jusri Fathma Hakim said it was great for her team to be playing Australia and that it was a great opportunity “to mix with the best teams in the world”

“We are proud to be the only South-East Asian nation represented here. We don’t expect to win but we will lose with pride,” Hakim said.

“Our spirit is still strong even though we were playing one of the strongest teams in the world.”

Story by Lloyd Green

Australia vs. Indonesia

Result: Australia 27 beat Indonesia 2

Quarters: (6-0, 7-1, 10-1, 4-0)

Scorers AUS: Shannan Martin 5, Chloe Barr 5, Belinda Symons 3, Madeleine Quinn 3, Fiona Walsh 3, Montana Perkins 2, Kassia Ralston 2, Jessica Zimmerman, Maddi Schmid, Lenke Dauda-Board, Ainsley Masek

Scorers INA: Ariel Siwabessy 2.

Australia: Lilian Hedges, Ainsley Masek, Belinda Symons, Montana Perkins, Madeleine Quinn, Shannan Martin, Fiona Walsh, Lenke Dauda-Board, Maddi Schmid, Chloe Barr, Kassia Ralston, Jessica Zimmerman, Stephanie Calaizis

Indonesia: Ayudya Suidarwanty Pratiwi, Sarah Manzilina, Starlet Viersa Utami, Dewi Ratih, Chyntia Pradjipta Putri, Dwi Anggela Olsen Tiger, Erica Fernanda, Ariel Siwabessy, Glindra Patricia Legawa, Febrika Indirawati, Veriza Adera Pratiwi, Amanda Raudania Santoso, Aldila Putri Santoso

Monday 3 December – Indoor Pool						Monday 3 December – Outdoor Pool
0900	17	GRE	IRI	16-5		0900	9	BRA	CAN	9-9
1020	18	ROU	UZB	9-8		1020	10	USA	HUN	8-6
1140	19	PER	KAZ	6-15		1140	11	ITA	IND	47-2
1300	20	SRB	BRA	12-9		1300	12	GRE	ZIM	36-2
1420	21	EGY	CAN	10-14		1420	13	RSA	RUS	5-23
1540						1540
1830	16	AUS	INA	**women 27-2		1830	24	CRO	NZL	*men 17-4
2000	23	AUS	RSA	15-4		2000	15	UZB	CZE	3-15

World Youth Water Polo Champx: Italy vs. India 47-2

Indians score their first ever goals but Italy dominate

Italy has defeated India 47-2 in the second Group C clash of Day three under the sweltering Perth sun.

The Italians scored 10 goals in the first quarter, 12 in the second, 10 in the third and 15 in the last, whilst the Indians scored their first goal just over 90 seconds into the first term and second with 2:52 left in the game.

For the Indians their first goal – scored by Ambili Archa Anil Kumar who made the most of a rare steal and two on one opportunity – was their first in FINA World Championships history. Manasi Ravindra Gawde scored their second with a perfectly placed lob from 8m after earning a foul.

Kumar was over the moon to have scored her country’s first goal and said she was learning with each game.

“I feel very proud to have scored the goal. Very happy,” Kumar said.

“We are gaining in experience every time we play these better teams.”

Despite the lopsided score the Indians showed improvement from yesterday’s 34-0 loss to the hands of tournament favourites USA. Their biggest problem against the physical Italians was staying in the pool with no less than five Indian players accruing three major fouls.

To be fair, as hard as the Indians tried, the game was little more than shooting practice for Italy with Sara Dario, Giuditta Galardi and Arianna Gragnolati all scoring six.

Italy square’s off against the USA tomorrow with a chance to win the group if they can score an upset win. Things don’t get any easier for India as they come up against Hungary.

Sunday 2 December

2	INA	vs	UZB	6-8
3	BRA	vs	NZL	13-10
4	ITA	vs	HUN	4-7
5	IND	vs	USA	0-34
6	RSA	vs	ZIM	9-1
8	RUS	vs	GRE	9-11
1	AUS	vs	CZE	22-2