Uzbekistan vs. Indonesia = 8 - 6

UZB V INA

POLO AIR INDONESIA - Umarova steers Uzbekistan to opening women’s victory over newcomer Indonesia

Uzbekistan proved that experience is a telling factor when it won the tournament’s opening women’s encounter 8-6 against international newcomer Indonesia in Challenge Stadium’s outdoor 10-lane pool on Sunday.

Three goals from livewire No 9 Liliya Umarova (UZB) gave her team a huge impetus as a three-goal edge appeared in the second quarter and maintained into the fourth and on to victory.

The match was tight in the first quarter with Dewi Ratih gained some kudos as the first scorer for her nation’s women at a FINA World Championship.

More goals were to come for Indonesia in the second quarter, along with two open shotsmissed, as Uzbekistan started to settle with a 5-1 lead before the half closed at 5-3.

In the third period, No 9 stepped up with two goals but Indonesia was not to be deprived with two extra-man goals for 8-5 down.

Both teams took timeouts at the top of the final period with only Indonesia converting a goal for 8-6 through Ariel Siwabessy her third. A blocked penalty shot by Sarah Manzilina stopped what could have been a close finish at 3:17.

Indonesia, and the game’s best, was goalkeeper Ayudya Pratiwi, who made numerous saves with her high body position and made top critical saves from the advancing Umarova just before the final minute.

The fact that Indonesia won the final period was a feather in its cap.

Uzbekistan head coach Boris Rustamov said his team was “still sleeping after just arriving in Perth yesterday”.

“Now it is 5am at home. I was not happy with the game but tomorrow we have Czech (Republic) so maybe we will be better.”

Indonesian head coach Shuli Cai said the game was “OK”. However, his thoughts were on the next game against Australia (Monday). “They are very good and it will be very tough.”

Story by Russell McKinnon

Result:  Uzbekistan 8 beat Indonesia 6

Quarters: (1-1, 2-4, 2-3, 1-0)

Scorers UZB: L Umarova 3, N Dadabaeva 2, E Piftor, Z Teshabaeva, V Kozlovskaya

Scorers INA: A Siwabessy 3, D Ratih, C Putri, F Indirawati

Uzbekistan: Elena Dukhanova, Nellya Dadabaeva, Ekaterina Palkina, Eseniya Piftor, Ziyeda Teshabaeva, Elina Kalimullina, Ekaterina Morozova, Regina Shaydullina, Liliya Umarova, Valeriya Kozlovskaya, Anastasiya Osipenko, Maftuna Pulatova, Aleksandra Dokuchaeva

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

RESULTS

Sun 2 December – Indoor Pool

MEN:

RSA-CRO=1-25

NZL-COL+ 11-10

WOMEN:

INA-JZB= 6-8

BRA-NZL=13-10

ITA-HUN= 4-7