Asian Water Polo Championship:
Iran hammers Uzbekistan to continue perfect run
Iran hammered Uzbekistan 33-9 on Wednesday to continue its perfect start to the Asian Water Polo Championship campaign in Zhaoqing, China.
Amir Qavidel and Alireza Mehri contributed with six goals apiece to top the scoring chart as Iran celebrated a third successive victory in the competition.
Iran began its Group B campaign with a 19-6 victory over South Korea before routing the Chinese Taipei 37-5 on the preceding day Zhaoqing.
Sitting atop the group, Iran will take on three-time champion Japan today ahead of Friday’s likely quarterfinal clash with Singapore or Hong Kong.
Runner-up to China in the previous edition in 2023, Iran will chasing a maiden Asian title at this year’s event, having won double bronze medals in 1984 and 1995.
The Asian championship will also serve as the qualification for the water polo event at the World Aquatics Championships – starting July 11 in Singapore.