FINA MEN’S WORLD LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

Australia, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, and the USA were on the Gold Coast for the FINA Men’s Intercontinental World League Tournament, 25-30 April. The six teams battled it out to secure their spot in the FINA World League Super Final, 20-25 June in Ruza, Russia.

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre provided the perfect backdrop for six days of thrilling competition in the pool. Teams from China, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, the USA, along with home favourites the Aussie Sharks, impressed the crowds with the high tempo and quality matches throughout the week.

Buoyed by a home crowd, the Aussie Sharks went into Sunday’s Finals undefeated and would face a youthful American side. The USA were looking to finish their tournament on a high note, having lost their only game to the Sharks on Day Four. There was a buzz around the pool as supporters cheered on the home side. And what a game it was!

Both teams were strong in defence and counter attack as they looked to take the early advantage. It was the Sharks that pressed home the advantage and held onto their two-goal lead to win 8-6, much to the delight of the crowds. Watch all the Finals Day action here.

It is not every day that an international water polo tournament is held here in Queensland and we wanted the kids involved with the Regional Training Centres to have the opportunity to experience the tournament live. We bussed more than 90 kids from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to the Gold Coast to watch the Finals on Sunday.

The quality of water polo was an inspiration for many of the youngster. There was also the opportunity to meet with athletes from New Zealand, the USA and Australia, who took some time out after their matches to sign autographs and take selfies.