Trieste, Italy. — Hungary beat Israel 27-2 to open the women’s water polo Olympic Games Qualification Tournament in the Bruno Bianchi Aquatic Centre in Trieste today.

The match was poised at 3-2 in Hungary's favour midway through the first quarter, but then Hungary's experience, counter-attack and ferocity in front of goal proved too much for the international newcomer.

And in the other Group B encounter, Greece held off Kazakhstan 13-5.

In Group A, Netherlands heads the way with a 22-2 margin over Slovakia with the latter team's goals coming in the final quarter on counter-attack. Italy made sure of its first outing with 19-6 eclipse of France.

Teams are chasing the final two berths for Tokyo 2020.

All athletes and officials from the eight teams arrived safely in Trieste with no difficulties during travel. Everyone was immediately tested for Covid-19 and all results were negative; now they all live in the bubble where persons cannot leave the red zone, only to the hotel and competition venue and the official transport vehicles.

Progress points:

Group A: NED 2, ITA 2, FRA 0, SVK 0.

Group B: HUN 2, GRE 2, KAZ 0, ISR 0,