Budapest, Hungary, July 22.— Rio Olympic medallists Russia and Italy will clash in Monday's quarterfinals following second-round FINA World Championship women's water polo matches at the Alfred Hajos Pool today.

Russia led 7-3 over Netherlands before holding out for an 11-10 success, which turned into a battle royale as the Dutch stormed back to level twice in the third period. It was bronze in Rio and to produce a medal of any sort of colour, it must come up against a rested group winner, Rio silver medallist Italy. The match nearly turned into a farce with three minutes left in the third period as aseemingly a timeout was called and there was indecision from officials. Five minutes of inaction led to a further minute as Dutch head coach Arno Havenga talked to referee Georgios Stavridis. It was all over a supposedly late Russian timeout call.

The upshot was that Russia had the timeout and used one second before the Dutch regained the ball. What this result does mean is that a class performer like Netherlands is out of the top eight. This proves world women's water polo is getting stronger. 

Dutch coach Arno Havenga said: “The situation is that we put a protest in about the decision of the referees concerning this timeout. The Russian coach called the timeout in the moment when we were in possession of the ball, and if you see the regulations, that is a penalty for us, but they gave the timeout for them." The protest will be heard on Sunday.

FINA World League Super Final silver medallist Canada booked a date with host nation Hungary after defeating New Zealand 16-3 with a superb display of speed, accuracy and power hooting to go to the top eight in the world.

Spain, World champion in 2013, look to be improving at the right time with a 13-5 blast over China and will now face Greece for a semifinal berth. Beatriz Ortiz netted four goals for Spain.

In the final match of the evening, Australia dominated France, winning 16-2 and setting up a clash with regular training partner and opponent, Olympic, World, World Cup and World League champion United States of America. Zoe Arancini top-scored with four goals.

In the morning round 13-16 semifinals, Brazil beat South Africa and moves into Monday's classification match for 13th against Japan, who countered Kazakhstan out of the pool 17-8. Kazakhstan will play South Africa for 15th place.

Today’s results:

Match 25, 10.30, BRAZIL10 SOUTH AFRICA 5

Match 26, 12:00, JAPAN 17 KAZAKHSTAN 8

Match 27. 17:30, CANADA 16 NEW ZEALAND 3

Match 28, 19:00, CHINA 5 SPAIN 13

Match 29, 20.30, NETHERLANDS 10 RUSSIA 11

Match 30. 22:00, FRANCE 2 AUSTRALIA 16

 

Monday Schedule:

Match 31, 9:30, RSA v KAZ (Classification 15-16)

Match 32, 10:50, BRA v JPN (Classification 13-14)

Match 33, 12:10, NZL v NED (Classification 9-12 semifinal)

Match 34, 13:30, CHN v FRA (Classification 9-12 semifinal)

Match 35. 14:50, ITA v RUS (Classification 1-8 quarter-final)

Match 36, 16:10, USA v AUS (Classification 1-8 quarter-final)

Match 29, 20.30, HUN v CAN (Classification 1-8 quarter-final)

Match 30. 22:00, GRE v ESP (Classification 1-8 quarter-final)