Final eight ready for Super Final action in Almaty (KAZ)

Lausanne (SUI), POLO AIR INDONESIA. Almaty (KAZ) will welcome eight world-class men’s national teams for the 11th FINA Men’s Water Polo World League Super Final from June 12-17. The teams will be divided in two groups as follows: 

Group A: China, Italy, Kazakhstan, USA
Group B: Australia, Brazil, Croatia, Spain

PROGRAMME of the preliminary rounds
Tuesday, June 12: CRO-AUS, ITA-CHN, BRA-ESP, USA-KAZ
Wednesday, June 13: USA-CHN, CRO-ESP, BRA-AUS, ITA-KAZ
Thursday, June 14: CRO-BRA, ITA-USA, AUS-ESP, CHN-KAZ

MEDALLISTS of the FINA Men’s Water Polo World League:

2002: 1. RUS, 2. ESP, 3. HUN
2003: 1. SCG, 2. HUN, 3. ITA
2004: 1. HUN, 2. SCG, 3. GRE
2005: 1. SCG, 2. HUN, 3. GER
2006: 1. SCG, 2. ESP, 3. GRE
2007: 1. SRB, 2. HUN, 3. AUS
2008: 1. SRB, 2. USA, 3. AUS
2009: 1. MNE, 2. CRO, 3. SRB
2010: 1. SRB, 2. MNE, 3. CRO
2011: 1. SRB, 2. ITA, 3. CRO

(fina)

Southeast Asian Swimming Championships 2012 Results

Southeast Asian Swimming Championships 2012

WORLD LEAGUE: Super Final 2012 (Women): USA claims seventh World League title

Zhou Xin, FINA Press Correspondent in China

Final Australia - US

CHINA, Changshu POLO AIR INDONESIA (June 3) - Defending champions, the United States, rallied to beat Australia 6-4 to win their seventh title at the FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final here on Sunday while Greece edged the hosts China 8-7 for the bronze medal.

Match reports


Final: AUSTRALIA 4 - UNITED STATES 6
(1-2, 3-1, 0-1, 0-2
Referees: Emanuel Taylan, Axel Bender
Teams:
AUSTRALIA: Victoria Brown, Gemma Beadswork, Sophie Smith, H. L. Smith, Z Arancini, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster, Kate Gynther (captain), Glencora Rippon, Ashleigh Southen, Melissa Rippon, Nicola Zagame, Alicia McCormack. Head coach: Greg McFadden.
USA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Heather Petri, Melissa Seidemann, Brenda Villa (captain), Lauren Wenger, Margaret Steffens, Courtney Mathewson, Jessica Steffens, Elsie Windes, Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries, Kameryn Craig, Tumuaialii Anae. Head coach: Adam Krikorian.

In a well-balanced defensive and offensive final, both USA and Australia showed superb individual skill and teamwork. Australia led 4-3 in the first half, but USA blocked every attempt from the Aussies during the second half and netted 3 times. USA captain Brenda Villa shot an exclusion goal at 1:05 in the third quarter, Annika Dries added one for a 5-4 lead while Margaret Steffens sealed the victory 6-4 at 1:33 in the last quarter. Australian B Knox opened the gate at 5:41 in the first quarter and G Ralph, G Beadsworth and S Smith fired in the second at 2:28, 0:45, 0:01, respectively.

"We played a great second half, especially in the fourth quarter by scoring two goals, which made the difference of the game. I should say this trophy is a good start for the London Olympics. But we understand that this means nothing when we go to the Olympic Games because all teams come from zero," said Adam  Krikorian, head coach of USA.

Australian head coach Greg McFadden said of the loss: "It was a pretty physical and hard game, We had a good start, but we have to settle for the margin of 2 goals. Congratulations to USA. And congratulations to my team. I hope we have better luck at the London Olympic Games."

Bronze-medal match: CHINA 7 - GREECE 8
(1-2, 4-2, 1-2, 1-2)
Referees: Cristina Taccini, Daniel Flahive
Teams:
CHINA: Yang Jun, Teng Fei, Liu Ping, Sun Yujun, He Jin, Sun Yating, Song Donglun, Gao Ao, Wang Yi, Ma Huanhuan (captain), Sun Huizi, Zhang Lei, Wang Ying. Head coach: Juan Jane Giralt.
GREECE: Kouvdou Eleni, Tsoukala Christina, Kotsia Christina, Psouni Ilektra Maria, Charalampidi Stefania, Alkisti Avramidou, Alexandra Asimaki (captain), Charalampidi Ioanna, Plevritou Eleftheria, Triantaf Manolioudaki, Plevritou Margarita, Koutogianni Stamatina, Diamantopoulou Chrysoula. Head coach: Georgios Morfesis.

World champions Greece, who underwent reshuffle after last year's worlds, came from behind in the first half to nail down world championship runners-up China 8-7. A Alkisti's score at 6:05 and T Christina's vital exclusion goal at 3:28 in the fourth quarter helped Greece to stand on the third place. China just repeated the same feat when they lost to Australia in the semi-finals on June 2.

"It was an unexpected medal. My players are young and inexperienced, but they've made improvement at every game of this Super Final. We played a clever game as we quickly reacted when China had some changes in the defence in the second quarter. I'm proud of my team," said Greece Head Coach Georgios Morfesis. 

China's Head Coach Juan Jane was unhappy with this outcome: "We played a good start, but our defence had problems in the second half. I'm not happy with that at all."

5th-6th place match: GERMANY 4 - RUSSIA 18
Referees: Drury-Pinto Amerber Marie, Dykman Mikhail
Teams:
GERMANY: Bianca Ahrens, Jasmin Krieter, Tatjana Steinhauer, Carolin Seifert, Claudia Blomenkamp, Anja Seyfert, Monika  Kruszona, Claudia Kern, Kim Illinger, Jenny Stiefel, Carmen Gelse (captain), Bianca Seyfert, Jana Lueg. Head coach: Rene Reimann.
RUSSIA: Maria Kovtunovskaia, Nadezhda Fedotova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Sofya Konukh (captain), Alexandra Antonova, Olga Belova, Ekaterina Lisunova, Marina Kalyagina, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Olga Beliaeva, Evgeniya Ivanova, Diana Antonova, Ksenia Krimer. Head coach: Alexander Kabanov.

As the first-time attendants at the Super Final, Germany had an ideal start 3-5 behind Russia in the first half, just a two-goal difference. But Russia quickly recovered scoring 7 goals from F Fedotova, O Belova and E Tankeeva's double plus E Lisunova's shot in the third quarter while blocking Germany's every attempt. Germany fought until 0:01 when C Blomenkamp scored their fourth shot while A Anotonova made a triple and three other Russians contributed one each in the last quarter. A Anotonova was the Best Scorer of the day as she fired another triple in the second period for a total of six.

Russia's Head Coach Alexander Kabanov said: "Our attack and defence only started to work in the second half, we were too slow in the beginning."

Germany's team manager Heike Kohnen-Khalil said: "We tried to play as fast as possible in the first two periods. But later we lost our minds and didn't know clearly what we needed to do next. We tried to defend the ball but Russia was too fast. It was a hard game, especially after the hard battle over Canada yesterday. We are very happy that our federation let us to play this Super Final, thus gaining a better knowledge of the other water polo teams.

7th-8th place match: CANADA 12 - ITALY 8
(2-2, 5-2, 3-2, 2-2)
Referees: Dreval Svetlana, Meng Anlong
Teams:
CANADA: Serena Bredin, Joannie Morisseau, Katrina Monton, Alexia Tielmann, Stephanie Valin, Sophie Baron, Joelle Bekhazi (captain), Kelly Blair McKee, Rebekka Steenkamer, Monika Eggens, Carmen Eggens, Dominique Perreault, Emma Wright. Head coach: Justin Oliveira.
ITALY: Federica Eugenia Lavi, Ursula Gitto, Martina Verducci, Giulia Viacava, Alessia Millo, Laura Repetto,  Giovanna Pellegrino, Claudia Marletta, Valeria Grazia Palmieri, Carla Carrega, Giusy Citino, Francesca Pomeri (captain), Sara Dario. Head coach: Paolo Zizza.

Italy had an even attack capacity during the whole game by scoring 2 goals at each quarter, while Canada stormed in the middle with 5 goals in the second period and 3 in the third. S Baron and captain J Bekhazi's triple helped Canada's victory (7th place).

Canada's Head Coach Justin Oliveira said of the victory: "Our team fought very well today. We tried to play hard as we shot the balls very well."

Italy's Head Coach Paolo Zizza considered: "Good game for us today. Our defence and attack were better than we did in the previous matches." (fina)

WORLD LEAGUE: Super Final 2012 (Women): Australia, China, Greece and USA advance to semi final

Zhou Xin, FINA Press Correspondent in China

China vs Canada

CHINA, Changshu - POLO AIR INDONESIA (June 1) - Greece stunned Russia in a tight 11-9 victory and makes its way to the semi finals of the FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final. Australia, USA and host China all won their match in convincing fashion against Germany (18-0), Italy (14-2) and Canada (13-7), respectively, to reach the semi finals stage as well.

Match report

Game 13, CHINA 13 - CANADA 7 (3-1,2-2, 4-3, 4-1)
China's Head coach Juan Jane Giralt could not have hoped for a better birthday gift on this day: a 13-7 victory over strong rival Canada. Locals Zhang Lei and Wang Yi scored three goals each during the game while Gao Ao netted two in the first and second quarters. Sun Huizi scored the first goal at 5:03, Canada answered a little more than a minute later with a goal from Monika Eggens. China took the lead again with Sun Yujun's goal at 1:45 and another one by Gao Ao at 0:10. The second period ended on a tie (2-2). In the second half, China clearly imposed their lead with four goals netted in each of the third and last quarters. Sun Yating scored the last goal for China at 2:09.
Gao Jun, China's goal keeper, said after the win: "We are happy that we played a good game for our coach Juan as a birthday gift. We made some improvement in the attacks today but we need to strengthen our defence."

Canada's Head coach Justin Oliveira said on the loss: "We were good in the first half, but we missed many shots in the second half. We had some problems on the defence against China. It was a tough game."

Game 14: GREECE 11 - RUSSIA 9 (4-5, 2-2, 4-0, 1-2)
Russia had a good start when Ekaterina Lisunova fired four goals to take a 5-4 lead over Greece. But in the second quarter, the team lost momentum and suffered a 0-4 in the third quarter. Greece's captain Alexandra Asimaki scored twice and a goal from teammates Christina Tsoukala and Christina Kotsia completed the feat. Russia's successful attempts in the last quarter - Evgeniya Ivanova at 7:33 and Ekaterina Prokofyeva at 4:42 - were not enough to catch the Greeks.
Russia's center player Olga Beliaeva said: "We didn't play very well. Maybe it was because we played too hard yesterday against Australia and we were too tired. We lost focus most of the time. We only played OK in the opener when we led 5-4. We lost too many shots."
Georgios Morfesis, Greece's Head coach, was very pleased with today's result: "I'm very happy with my players. They did a great job in both defence and offence against the Russians. The goalkeeper Eleni Kouvdou blocked many shots from our rivals. I'm happy that my girls made improvement in every game of this high-level competition."

Game 15, USA 14 - ITALY 2 (5-0, 3-1, 4-0, 2-1)
USA took the lead from the very beginning, imposing a five-goal margin after the first quarter. They scored three more in the second quarter, Italy reacting with one goal by Martina Verducci at 2:42. Verducci was the sole scorer for Italy in this game, netting a second goal at 1:47 in the last quarter. USA's Margaret Steffens was the best scorer of the day with five winning shots.

U.S. Head coach Adam Krikorian said on the victory: "After the game was finished, it was finished. We need to think about our next game against Greece in the semi-finals. Though Greece is a mixed team, it is still a strong team."
Paolo Zizza, Italy's Head coach, said on the loss: "We played better in the defence and attacks. Team USA is the best in the world, it is important to learn from them."

Game 16, GERMANY 0 - AUSTRALIA 18  (0-6, 0-3, 0-5, 0-4)
Strong favourite Australia showed no mercy to team Germany and turned the game into a shooting practice with non-stop firing. Nicola Zagame and Melissa Rippon both netted three goals while five of their teammates scored two goals each.
Australia's Head coach Greg McFadden sets eyes already on tomorrow's game: "China is a strong team physically. They swim fast, and pass the ball well. It will be a very tough game. Every semi-final game is tough. Our recent games against China were all very close."
For Germany's Head coach, Rene Reimann, the outcome of the game was obvious: "We didn't expect to win. It is not realistic. Australia is as strong physically as USA."

(fina)

SEA SWIMMING CHAMP 2012:: INDONESIA – SINGAPORE: 6-7

POLO AIR INDONESIA-Having drawn Thailand, Indonesia has the numerical opportunity to upstage the host on its home turf and clinch the gold medal with a win. However, it turned out that the Singapore has other ideas. The encounter saw a seesaw

of goals from both teams and had the spectators constantly jumping out of

their seats in cheers. Spectacular goals and near misses were the order of the

day and Singapore’s captain; Loh Zhi Zhi emerged as the star of the game as

his hat trick lifted the host to their inaugural SEA Championships Under-23

Water Polo crown.

Goals per quarter

Q1: The host had 3 extra-man situations but couldn’t convert them. They then

let slipped Indonesia’s Zaenal to score a counter attack goal, much to the

disappointment of the spectators, which comprises mainly supporters of the

Singapore team.

Q2: The Singapore team began to up their aggressiveness to match that of

the Indonesian and they started getting into the game. Goals from Zi Yuan,

Wayne and Zhi Zhi gave the host and their supporters much needed goals to

cheer. With half a minute to go, Indonesia’s Manulana scored a spectacular

long-range shot from 10m out to keep the score difference to within one.

Q3: The Indonesian then dictated the rhythm of the game and drew the game

at 4 apiece. With the final second of play, Indonesian big man, Delvin cleverly

flicked the ball past the goalkeeper and grabbed the lead for Indonesia.

Q4: The Singapore team, led by their captain, Loh Zhi Zhi, staged a

comeback. His 2 goals, not only drew level the score and extended the lead, it

also gave his teammates the much needed morale boost and belief that they

could win this game. Indonesia tried to claw back into the game and they

came within one goal. However, with the game clock left with only 6 seconds,

the Singapore team held on to win this epic match.

INDONESIA: 1. Zuliansyah 2. Muhammad Nurdiansyah 3. M Alex

Siswandono 4. Delvin Felliciano (2) 5. Manulana Bayu Herfianto (1) 6. Bebi

Willy Eka Paksi Tarigan 7. Riyan Rinaldo 8. Rezza Auditya Putra 9. Ilfan

Riandi 10. Ridjkie Mulia Harahap (1) 11. Natanael (1) 12. Zaenal Arifin (1)

13. Novian Dwi Putra

SINGAPORE: 1. Lee Kai Yu 2. Loh Zhi Zhi (3) 3. Wayne Chong (1)

4. Yip Yang (1) 5. Adriel Ng 6. Gilbert Beh 7. Chiam Kun Yang 8. Chow Jing

Jie 9. Toh Zhi Hong 10. Ooi Yee Jia 11. Ang Zi Yuan (2) 12. Koh Jian Ying

13. Sean Ang

REFEREES: Zhong Haotian (China), Lin Wenfa (China)

MEN TABLE

1.      Indonesia (3-1-1-1-4)

2.      Singapore (3-3-0-0-9)

3.      Thailand (3-1-1-1-4)

4.      Malaysia (3-0-0-3-0)

SEA SWIMMING CHAMP 2012: SINGAPORE – INDONESIA: 5-3

POLO AIR INDONESIA - A rematch of the 2011 SEA Games gold medal game where Singapore won, Indonesia was made to play second fiddle again. Indonesia started strongly and scored the first goal but the night remains Singapore’s as the ladies

ground out a deserving win over the Indonesia. Singapore is crowned the

champion of the inaugural SEA Championships and Indonesia took silver.

Goals per quarter

Q1: Indonesia’s first goal came against the grain of play through a center

forward play by Sarah. Singapore, despite the majority of the spectators

cheering for them, couldn’t convert from 4 extra-man situations.

Q2: The Singaporean ladies went into the break playing a physically

demanding full court press defence. That paid immediate dividends as they

forced many turnovers, which resulted in 3 goals while conceding none.

Q3: The Indonesians, seeking revenge for the 2011 SEA Games loss, got one

goal back through Febby but Singapore’s Angeline ensured that the host’s

lead was intact.

Q4: The Singapore team continued their relentless attack and full court press

defence, forcing the Indonesians to run their shot clock down. Singapore’s

Melissa put in a critical goal with less than 3 minutes left on the clock to

extend the lead to 3 goals. Indonesia could only managed a consolation goal

in the final seconds through Maya.

SINGAPORE: 1. Low Seet Teng 2. Koh Ting Yi Gina 3. Tan Su-Lynn (1)

4. Chen Yiwei Denise 5. Yew Yan Xiang Adelyn 6. Ooi Si Hui

Melissa (1) 7. Neo Ser Han 8. Tan Hui Ying Lynette Jane (1) 9. Ong Cheng

Jing (1) 10. Chia T-Chien 11. Teo Yi Ling Angeline (1) 12. Poh Zhining

13. Fu Yumin Eunice Karina

INDONESIA: 1. Anita Hadiati 2. Sarah Manzilina 3. Ivy Nernie Pricilia

4. Andi Nurul Chusnul Khotimah 5. Febby Familya Putri (1) 6. Kezzie Ali

7. Annisa Nadhilah Utoro 8. Ariel Dyah Cininta Siwabessy 9. Inez Febrianti

Rasyid 10. Febrika Indirawati 11. Maya Anggraeni (1)

12. Melviani Rayina Eka (1) 13. Siti Raudyah Nurastia

REFEREES: Zhong Haotian (China), Lin Wenfa (China)

WOMEN TABLE

Negara (Main-Menang-Draw-Kalah-Points

1.      Indonesia (4-3-0-1-9)

2.      Thailand (4-2-0-2-6)

3.      Singapore (4-0-0-0-12)

4.      Philipones (4-1-0-3-3)

5.      Malaysia (4-0-0-4-0)

SEA SWIMMING CHAMP 2012: THAILAND - INDONESIA: 7-7

1ST SOUTH-EAST ASIAN SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012
THURSDAY, 31 MAY 2012, 20:00 – MEN: GAME 4

POLOAIR INDONESIA-In this hotly contested match between Indonesia and Thailand, Thailand was in the lead till the last quarter where Indonesia put in 3 goals making this the only game that has ended in a draw so far.

Q1: Depite the opening goal taken by Indonesia, the Thai Centre Forward Natthaphon Sangworatham scores 2 goals from the centre as the Indonesia centre back was unable to

fend off his powerful frame, bringing Thailand into a lead. The good defense also allowed many balls to be stolen by Thailand, thus reducing the number of attempts that Indonesia could make.

Q2: Despite winning the swim off, Indonesia was unable to make any attack attemps due to the counter fouls made by the centre. The opening goal saw Natthaphon angworatham scoring his hat trick of goals as the Indonesians failed to convert a 6 on 5 and left him as a free man. The atmosphere was lively as the excited Thai fans cheered their team after a yellow card was given to the Thai Coach. Bebi Willy Eka Paksi Tarigan of Indonesia then put in a cross shot, as they capitalize

THAILAND: 1. Naruedon Niwasakul 2. Bdeesorn Rukprayoon 3. Kanawat Wattanarungruang 4. Ekkaphan Jaengprajak 5. Chalitpat Pokinwong6. Ronnakrit Jarananon 7. Meathus Chetamee (2) 8. Lapat Prasatnanon 9. Natthaphon

Sangworatham (5) 10. Gavin Alexander Lewis11. Sornthum Wongpairoj12. Naravit Dansiriviroj 13. Parin Uttasara

INDONESIA:1.Zuliansyah 2.Muhammmad Nurdiansyah 3.M Alex Siswandono 4.Delvin Felliciano(1) 5.Manulana Bayu Herfianto 6.Bebi Willy Eka Paksi Tarigan(1) 7.Riyan Rinaldo (2) 8.Rezza Auditya Putra(3)9.Ilfan Riandi10.Ridjkie Mulia Harahap(1)11.Natanael 12.ZaenalArifin(1)13.NovianDwiPutra

Referee: Zhong Haotian(CHN) Lin Wenfa(CHN)