Water polo fiesta here

Water polo fiesta here

Local fans will get a double dose of international water polo action in a few weeks' time.

The 3rd Asian Youth Water Polo Championship, featuring the region's top Under-17 sides, will be held from Sept 25-30 at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex.

Top senior Asian teams will then compete in the 3rd Asian Water Polo Cup from Oct 1-5 at the same venue.

It is the first time that Singapore will be hosting both water polo meets.

Competition will be intense for the senior Asian title, as seven teams - including powerhouses China and Iran - will vie for the final spot in the 2014 World Cup in Kazakhstan.

Ivan Tan, Singapore Swimming Association vice-president (water polo), said: "We are very honoured to be able to host two top Asia-level competitions in Singapore this year.

"Local fans can now look forward to see some of the world's most talented athletes in action right on our shores."

The Cup will be Singapore's main tune-up before the squad head to Myanmar to defend their SEA Games crown in December.

National captain Eugene Teo said: "We are looking forward to playing on home soil and will aim to present good games for the local fans."

The hosts will also be represented by their respective youth sides in the 10-team Championship.

Singapore's boys finished sixth at the last edition, while the girls will be making their competition debut.

The top three teams from this meet will qualify for the World Youth Championships which will take place in Turkey (boys) and Spain (girls) next year.

nsanjay@sph.com.sg

For more information, visit www.aasfwaterpolosingapore2013.com


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