US, Australia unbeaten at FINA Women Water Polo League Super Final

Defending champion the United States stormed the Netherlands 8-3 for their third group match victory, keeping unbeaten run together with Australia on the third day of the FINA Women Water Polo League Super Final here on Thursday.

The United States enlarged its margin through every quarter, winning the match 8-3 (2-1, 1-0, 2-1, 3-1).

"It is a physical game. The Netherlands is very talented and excellent team. We are proud of our team, they played defensively. Our goal keeper Johnson Ashleigh is great today. Our success come from our talented players," said US head coach Adam Krikorian.

Australia edged Italy 8-7 (2-3, 2-1, 2-2, 2-1) thanks to a last-minute penalty shot by Bishop Isobel.

"A tough win! I am proud of our girls because we had a few girls injured and sick. We are short of numbers. I am very happy," Australia's head coach Greg McFadden smiled.

With a 3-1 lead in the first quarter, China claimed its first group match victory by beating Russia 9-7 (3-1, 1-2, 3-3, 2-1). The 22-year-old left-hander Zhao Zihan scored four, while 19-year-old Zhang Jing had three and Niu Guannan two.

"Our girls are more confident and more experienced game after game. Look at them, they had a great start and stayed focused all the time. Give them more game and more time, they can be better," China's head coach Recardo Azevedo said.

In another group match, Canada beat Brazil 11-8 (5-1, 4-3, 2-2, 0-2).

Italy will meet the Netherlands, Australia play Brazil, Russia challenge the United States, China face Canada on June 12. Endi