Olympic champions and last year's World League winners Serbia began the 2017 season on a high last night with a clear victory over Romania (19-8) in Kagujevac (SRB). Serbia asserted its superiority right from the first quarter with a 6-0 lead, while Romania woke up towards the third quarter and scored five goals and an extra two in the last quarter.
Still in Group A, Slovakia beat Germany 10-7 in Kosice (SVK) after two very difficult quarters in the middle of the game (2-1, 3-3, 2-2, 3-1).
Group B's Croatia, 2012 Olympic champions, confirmed their good shape by deafeating World bronze medallists Greece at home 11-6, while the Dutch who were receiving France in Gouda (NED) won by one goal (11-10).
Finally, in the only match of group C, Russia defeated their neighbours Georgia 14-13. Italy did not play in this round.
Serbia, Slovakia, Croatia and the Netherlands all count three points in the rankings.
The second round of the FINA Men's Water Polo World League 2017 will take place on December 6.