WATER POLO: The FINA Women’s World League Intercontinental Tournament starts on Wednesday with the Australian Women’s team set to face China in the opening round.
Despite a recent 3-0 series win over China at home, the Aussies are expecting tough competition as all countries compete for a place in the FINA World League Super Final, June 7-12, in Shanghai.
While both Australia and China have booked their spot for the Rio Olympic Games, world number one and London gold medallists USA, as well as Canada, are yet to secure a position and will be using this tournament as part of their preparation for the Olympic Qualifier Tournament.
With countries from USA, Canada, China, Japan and Brazil all taking part, the Aussies will not only be chasing a gold medal but using this tournament as part of their preparation for the Rio Olympic Games which are 172 days away.
Australian Coach Greg McFadden said while the USA are always ones to watch, they won’t be the only threat during the tournament with China and Canada also expected to field strong teams.
“We don’t get a lot of international games, so this Tournament will be an important one for our squad as we build towards Rio in August.
“The USA are naturally always the team to watch, but with China and Canada both within the top 10 rankings we can’t under estimate any teams,” he said.
The Aussie Stingers schedule below is listed in Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDST). For more details on the competition – click here.
Date Games
Day 1 Wednesday, Feb 17 09:40 AUS-CHN
Day 2 Thursday, Feb 18 09:40 AUS-CAN
Day 3 Friday, Feb 19 12:20 AUS-BRA
Day 4 Saturday, Feb 20 11:00 AUS-JPN
Day 5 Sunday, Feb 21 12:20 AUS-USA
Day 6 Monday, Feb 22 3:00am – 5th – 6th
4:20am – 3rd – 4th
5:40am – 1st – 2nd
Water polo Australia