Budapest, Hungary, July 29.— Croatia denied Hungary a fairytale ending to the FINA World Championships men's water polo competition, winning 8-6 and adding to its only other title, attained in Melbourne, Australia, 10 years ago.

Croatia won the opening period 4-0, Hungary levelled at 4-4; Croatia went 7-4 up early in the fourth and carried the advantage to the end at the Alfred Hajos Pool here tonight. Captain Sandro Sukno scored twice in the last eight minutes for three goals and Championship Most Valuable Player Marton Vamos netted three for Hungary.

It was probably fair that Croatia should win, having sent multi-titled Serbia packing in a heart-stopping and energy-sapping semifinal on Thursday night.

Hungarian goalkeeper Viktor Nagy was heroic throughout the two weeks and deservedly was named the tournament's best goalkeeper.

Hungary was denied its fourth World Championship title from 10 finals and now has a record 11 medals overall — three golds, seven silvers and one bronze. 

Croatia lost to Serbia in both Rio 2016 and Kazan 2015 so it was due for a win. Its record at World Championships now reads two golds, one silver and three bronzes.

In the bronze-medal match, outgoing world champion Serbia made sure of bronze against Greece with  an 11-8 decision. Serbia had nine players make the scoresheet. Greek captain Ioannis Fountoulis scored three goals and finished the tournament as the top goal-scorer with 23, streeting his rivals. 

Montenegro took out fifth position, beating Italy 5-4 in a low-scoring and mistake-ridden match. Drasko Brguljan sent in three goals for the victor.

In the classification 7-8 match, Australia defeated Russia 10-7 with Australia using eight scorers and Russia's best was Dmitri Kholod with three goals. 

Media All Star Team: Goalkeeper: Viktor Nagy (HUN). Centre forward Luka Loncar (CRO). Field players: Francesco di Fulvio (ITA), Ioannis Fountoulis (GRE), Andrija Prlainovic (SRB), Sandro Sukno (CRO), Marton Vamos (HUN).

Most Valuable Player: Marton Vamos (HUN).

Best Goalkeeper: Viktor Nagy (HUN). 

Results:

Match 45, 12:00, RUSSIA 7 AUSTRALIA 10
Classification 7-8

Match 46. 13:30, MONTENEGRO 5 ITALY 4
Classification 5-6

Match 47. 15:00, GREECE 8 SERBIA 11
Classification 3-4

Match 48, 20:30, HUNGARY 6 CROATIA 8
Classification 1-2