24.06.2017 / UPDATED 16/07/2017

Olga Kamardina, FINA Correspondent in Russia

Water Polo World League Super Final Men 2017

For the first time ever Water Polo World League Super Finals saw all elimination games tied in the regulation time, having the penalty shoot-out to confirm the list for the finals.

With the finalists decided and 16 matches already behind us, the FINA Men’s Water Polo World League Super Final 2017 is reaching its climax in Ruza, Russian Federation. Competition Day 5 pictured a lot of fine goals, great saves and four impressive semi-final wins.

Bronze Olympic medal holder Italy saved their life against Croatia booking penalty shoot-out series 20 seconds to the final buzzer, and then nailed a gold match ticket at 9-7.

Their opponent in the decisive battle will be the reigning kings Serbia, which on their part, astonished everyone as their American rendezvous ended in a draw, and were up to seal their gold chance via the “hitting lottery”, 13-11.

As for Croatia and the USA will be contesting bronze, the 5th place consolation final shall feature Russia and Kazakhstan. Competition day 5 saw them both celebrating penalty shoot-out series wins over Japan and Australia, who will be up to play for the 7th-8th line in the chart of the Super Final.

emi-finals / Day 5 / 24 June, 2017

Game 17. L13 – L16 AUS  – KAZ  11-12 (0-4, 3-1, 1-2, 4-1, PSO 3-4)

Game 18. L14 – L15 RUS  – JPN  18-17 (3-4, 5-2, 4-3, 0-3, PSO 6-5)

Game 19. W13 – W16 ITA  – CRO  9-7 (1-1, 3-2, 1-2, 1-1, PSO 3-1)

Game 20. W14 – W15 SRB  –USA  11-13 (0-0,4-3,2-2,2-3, PSO 3-5)

Finals schedule / Day 6 / 25 June, 2017

Game 21. 12:00 L17 – L18 (7 – 8 places) AUS  – JPN

Game 22. 13:20 W17 – W18 (5 – 6 places) KAZ  – RUS

Game 23. 14:40 L19 – L20 (3 – 4 places) CRO  – USA

Game 24. 16:00 W19 – W20 (1 – 2 places) ITA  – W15 SRB