Asia/Oceania prelims: Australia and China grab Super Final ticket

Lausanne (SUI), AKUATIK INDONESIA  - The men’s and women’s national teams of Australia and China make their way to the Super Final of the FINA Water Polo World League 2012, finishing on top of their respective group after the two preliminary rounds for Asia/Oceania organised in Shanghai (CHN) from May 3-5 and Chiba (JPN) from May 8-10.

In the women's field, world number 2 China and 2011 World League bronze-medallist Australia finished 1-2 of the rankings, totalling three victories and one loss. China imposed a harsh 14-4 defeat to Australia in Shanghai. In Chiba, the Australians took revenge, winning in a tight 11-10 over their strong Chinese rival. In the last game, Australia crushed the home squad 18-2.

Australia and China join USA and Canada, whose squads have also qualified for the women's Super Final taking place in Changshu (CHN) from May 29 to June 3.The four remaining teams to take part will be decided at the end of the European preliminaries, starting today in Siracusa (ITA) and Volos (GRE).

Australia was the easy winner of the men’s competition, remaining unbeaten in all six games. Runner-up China totalled 9 points and benefiting from a greater match point difference, ousts Japan (9 points as well) and secures a Super Final spot. In the last game, the home squad comfortably edged Kazakhstan 10-3.

Australia, China and Kazakhstan (as host) will join European qualifiers Croatia, Italy and Spain in the men's Super Final scheduled in Almaty (KAZ) from June 12-17. The remaining two teams will qualify from the Americas preliminaries, taking place in Tustin (USA) from May 10-13.

Final rankings Asia/Oceania (women):
1. CHN, 9 pts (3 wins, 1 loss); 2. AUS, 9 (3W, 1L); 3. JPN, 0 (4L)

Final rankings Asia/Oceania (men):
1. AUS, 18 pts (6 wins); 2. CHN, 9 (3W, 3L); 3. JPN, 9 (3W, 3L); 4. KAZ, 0 (6L)