Final eight decided after Europe and Americas prelims

Lausanne (SUI), POLOAIR - The preliminary stage of the FINA Water Polo World League 2012 wrapped up on May 13 with the last rounds held in Tustin (USA) for men and Siracusa (ITA) and Volos (GRE) for women, qualifying the remaining teams for both Super Finals.

In the women’s European preliminaries, Germany and Italy finished 1-2 in Group A with a respective total of 11 and ten points while Russia and Greece, 15 points each, easily secured the two Super Final tickets at stake in Group B.

The eight national teams qualified for the ninth edition of the women’s Super Final in Changshu (CHN), organised from May 29 to June 3, are: Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Greece, Italy, Russia and defending champion USA.

Among men, the last two teams in the Super Final race were settled in Tustin (USA) with USA and Brazil securing the precious spot. USA topped the rankings with 12 points, and Brazil followed with six points.

Brazil and USA will join the national squads of Australia, China, Croatia, Italy, Kazakhstan (as host) and Spain for the 12th Super Final to take place in Almaty (KAZ) from June 12-17.

Final rankings Europe (women):
Group A: GER, 11 pts (4 wins, 2 losses); 2. ITA, 10 (3W, 3L); 3. HUN, 10 (3W, 3L); 4. ESP, 5 (2W, 4L)
Group B: 1. RUS, 15 pts (5 wins, 1 loss); 2. GRE, 15 (5W, 1L); 3. NED, 6 (2W, 4L); 4. GBR, 0 (6L)

Final rankings Americas (men):
1. USA, 12 pts (4 wins); 2. BRA, 6 (2W, 2L); 3. CAN, 0 (4L

(fina)