Singapore, October 8.— The opening day of the FINA Water Polo Challengers’ Cup men’s tournament produced a bucket-load of goals at the OCBC Aquatic Centre in Singapore.
In the opening Group B encounter, Indonesia proved far too strong for India in what was a high-scoring encounter — 23-10. It was equally high-scoring in the second group match where Austria — twice a silver medallist at this event — thumped Chinese Taipei 32-5. Ten of the goals came from brutal centre forward Albert Schimidt, a player we will hear a lot of this week.
Ireland won the first Group A match, downing Philippines 12-8, thanks to a 4-0 third period and a three-goal haul to Stiofan McMahon by the time the score was 7-5. Ireland has to take second spot though, as host Singapore had brilliant first and fourth quarters against Zimbabwe. Cheng-Kang Lee starred with seven goals to be in the early hunt for leading goal-scorer.
Progress points:
Group A: Singapore 2, Ireland 2, Philippines 0, Zimbabwe 0, Malaysia.
Group B: Austria 2, Indonesia 2, India 0, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong.
Match reports:
Match 1, 15:00, Group B, INDIA 10 INDONESIA 23
Match 2, 16:30, Group A, IRELAND 12 PHILIPPINES 8
Match 3, 18:00, Group B, AUSTRIA 32 CHINESE TAIPEI 5
Match 4, 19:30, Group A, SINGAPORE 26 ZIMBABWE 5