The first World Open Water Polo 4×4 Championships got underway in Dubrovnik on Monday, as the new format made its global debut in a temporary sea pool at the city’s Old Town Port.
Sixteen men’s teams and eight women’s teams are competing in the inaugural tournament, which forms part of World Aquatics’ attempt to develop a faster version of water polo that can be played in smaller pools and potentially introduced to more countries.
The format is significantly different from traditional water polo. Teams play with four players in the water, including the goalkeeper, with four substitutes available. The field measures 15 metres by 12 metres, while both the goals and ball are smaller.
Matches are divided into four five-minute quarters, but each quarter operates as an individual set. A team winning the opening three periods takes the match 3–0, while games can also finish 3–1. If the teams split the four quarters at 2–2, a penalty shootout decides the winner.
Three points are awarded for a 3–0 or 3–1 victory, while a shootout winner receives two and the losing team takes one.
Russia edge USA as men’s tournament begins
The headline match of the opening day saw Russia defeat the United States 3–2 following a penalty shootout.
USA, captained by Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Max Irving and also featuring fellow Olympic medallist Marko Vavic, led 2–1 after three periods. Russia responded emphatically by winning the fourth 5–0 before taking the shootout 3–2.
Penalty shootouts were also required as Hong Kong, China defeated Japan and Malta edged Australia.
Serbia produced one of the strongest starts of the competition, sweeping Mongolia 3–0 with quarter scores of 8–0, 8–0 and 9–1.
Georgia, Spain, Montenegro and hosts Croatia also began their campaigns with straight-set victories.
USA and Croatia start strongly in women’s competition
Eight nations are competing in the women’s tournament, with all eight progressing to the quarterfinals following the league stage.
The United States made an impressive start with a 3–0 victory over Spain, winning the three periods 2–1, 4–0 and 2–1.
Russia were equally convincing against South Africa, recording wins of 7–0, 8–0 and 8–0.
Australia were the only women’s team on Day 1 to win while dropping a set. They defeated Greece 3–1 after Greece took the third period 5–4.
Hosts Croatia also made a perfect start in Dubrovnik, beating Türkiye 3–0.
Results
Men
USA 2–3 Russia (3–4, 4–2, 5–4, 0–5, PSO 2–3)
Japan 2–3 Hong Kong, China (6–1, 3–2, 1–3, 2–3, PSO 0–2)
Georgia 3–0 Hong Kong, China (6–2, 5–2, 4–2)
Australia 2–3 Malta (3–4, 3–2, 3–2, 0–5, PSO 1–2)
Serbia 3–0 Mongolia (8–0, 8–0, 9–1)
Spain 3–0 Bulgaria (2–0, 4–3, 6–1)
Montenegro 3–0 Lithuania (4–1, 4–0, 4–3)
Croatia 3–0 Saudi Arabia (7–1, 6–1, 7–0)
Women
South Africa 0–3 Russia (0–7, 0–8, 0–8)
Spain 0–3 USA (1–2, 0–4, 1–2)
Greece 1–3 Australia (1–5, 2–3, 5–4, 0–3)
Croatia 3–0 Türkiye (2–1, 3–1, 4–0)
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