The preliminary phase of the inaugural World Aquatics Water Polo 4×4 Open Championships concluded in Dubrovnik on Thursday, with Croatia completing an unbeaten men’s campaign and the United States doing the same in the women’s competition.
Croatia finished the men’s league phase with four wins from four after overcoming Montenegro 3-1 in their final match. The hosts were pushed hard by their neighbours, with Montenegro taking the second set and forcing golden-goal situations in both the second and third periods before Croatia eventually secured the victory. Roko Pelicaric was again at the centre of the Croatian attack, scoring nine goals, while Ivan Vukojevic added seven.
One of the biggest matches of the day saw Serbia inflict Spain’s first defeat of the tournament. Spain won the opening two sets before Serbia responded to force the contest to penalties, where an extended sudden-death shootout eventually ended 8-7 in Serbia’s favour. Aleksandar Kovacevic converted the decisive attempt after Radosav Virijevic saved Spain’s previous shot.
Russia, Bulgaria, Georgia and the United States also booked places in the top-eight quarterfinals. USA produced one of its strongest performances so far with a 3-0 victory over Australia, led by eight goals from Max Irving. Bulgaria comfortably defeated Mongolia, Georgia beat Japan in straight sets and Russia saw off Malta 3-0.
Croatia therefore finished top on 12 points, followed by Spain on 10, Serbia and Russia on nine, and Bulgaria, Georgia and Montenegro on eight. USA claimed the final quarterfinal position with seven points.
In the women’s competition, the United States remained perfect, recording a fourth consecutive 3-0 victory by beating South Africa. Jenna Flynn scored six times and Ryann Neushul added five as the Americans completed the league phase without dropping a single set.
Spain produced arguably the most significant women’s result of Day 4, ending Russia’s unbeaten start with a 3-0 victory. Goalkeeper Mariona Terre played a major role as Spain moved level with Russia and Australia on nine points behind the USA.
Croatia were pushed all the way by Greece in another dramatic match. Greece moved 2-1 ahead in sets, but the hosts won the fourth before taking the penalty shootout 2-0 to claim a 3-2 victory. Nika Alamat and Ria Glas scored three goals each for Croatia, while Anastasia Bikou struck six for Greece. Australia also secured a convincing 3-0 win over Turkiye.
The competition now moves into the knockout phase, with both the men’s and women’s quarterfinals taking place on Friday in Dubrovnik.
Day 4 results
Men
Bulgaria 3-0 Mongolia (8-0, 9-1, 10-2)
Lithuania 3-0 Saudi Arabia (4-0, 4-0, 4-3)
Hong Kong China I 3-0 Hong Kong China II (4-2, 4-2, 7-6)
Russia 3-0 Malta (4-2, 2-1, 3-2)
Georgia 3-0 Japan (5-3, 4-3, 5-2)
USA 3-0 Australia (8-0, 6-3, 5-3)
Serbia 3-2 Spain (3-4, 2-3, 4-3, 4-2, penalties 8-7)
Croatia 3-1 Montenegro (5-1, 5-6, 6-5, 4-3)
Women
Spain 3-0 Russia (3-1, 4-2, 5-4)
Australia 3-0 Turkiye (5-1, 3-1, 4-2)
USA 3-0 South Africa (7-0, 6-0, 5-1)
Croatia 3-2 Greece (3-2, 2-4, 3-4, 4-3, penalties 2-0)
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