China make semis at FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final

China, Australia and the United States trounced their rivals with full control in the quarterfinals, while Spain shrugged off strong challenges from Italy at the FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final here on Friday.

China started high and improved accuracy of shots, building an early lead as Niu Guannan and Zhang Cong scored for 2-0 by Extra Man Goals within the first three minutes. Throughout the match, the hosts collected 3 points out of 7 exclusion fouls while the Canadians only scored 1 out of 7.

Sun Yating, captain of China, became top scorer with 4 while veteran Ma Huanhuan and Niu Guannan each contributed 3 goals.

"We know Canada very well. Today we changed our tactics by stepping back a little bit. I guess we surprised them and we led the first period," said a smiling Ricardo Azevedo, head coach of China.

"Our defense played better and better after each game but we do need to work on more on protecting the ball. Our goalie Yang Jun, captain Sun Yating, Ma Huanhuan and everyone improved during the Super Final. Ma, who competed in two Olympic Games, came back after two and a half years and scored 3 goals. That's good for her and for our team," sadi Azevedo.

In other quarterfinals, Australia romped Brazil 11-2, defending champions the United States beat Russia 14-7 while Spain won over Italy 8-5 (4-2, 1-0, 1-1, 2-2).

For the semifinals on Saturday, China will play the United States, Australia meet Spain, while Canada face Russia and Italy play Brazil for the last four places. Endit