At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, China's women water polo team showcased impressive skill and teamwork by defeating New Zealand 10-6 in a decisive classification match, finishing the tournament in 9th place. This victory marks a notable turnaround from last year's encounter in Doha, where New Zealand edged China 16-15.
China kicked off the game with a fierce offensive drive. In the first five minutes, Yan Siya scored a goal and Zhou Shang added two more, setting a rapid pace. New Zealand's Morgan McDowall responded with two goals, but China's Zhang Yumian sealed the period with a goal just seconds from the end, establishing a 4-2 lead.
The second period saw relentless energy from China. Zhang scored again early on while Yan, despite missing a penalty, managed to recover and add to the tally, pushing the halftime score to 6-3. In the second half, China's assertive play continued, shutting down New Zealand's attempts to come back and ultimately closing the match at 10-6.
Standout performances came from Zhang, Zhou, Yan, and Wang Huan, each netting two goals. Yan emerged as the top scorer of the tournament with 15 goals, while Shao Yixin contributed her tenth. The team’s goalkeeper, Shen Yineng, was a fortress in the net, making eight crucial saves in this match and totaling 50 saves over the competition.
MVP Wang expressed confidence in the team's bright future, saying, "We are a new team and we have many young players. This is their first time playing in the world championships. Our coach is very good and he has been with us only for seven weeks. With more time together, we can continue to grow and be better."
This performance highlights the potential and resilience of China's women's water polo team, inspiring sports enthusiasts, young professionals, and aspiring athletes alike. The team's dynamic display and youthful spirit promise exciting developments ahead. 🚀💪
Reference(s):
China secure 9th place in women's water polo at World Championships
cgtn.com
