China upsets Kazakhstan to reach Asiad men's water polo final

Zhang Chufeng (L) of China competes during Men's Semifinal of Water Polo at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

HANGZHOU, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's men's water polo team pulled off an upset 14-13 win over defending champion Kazakhstan to reach the gold medal match at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Friday.

After Kazakhstan took a 3-2 lead in the first quarter, China managed to maintain a one or two-point advantage for most of the second and third quarters. The game reached a 10-10 tie at the end of the final quarter, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

In the penalty shootout, neither team could score in the first four rounds. It wasn't until the last round that China's Chen Rui successfully converted his penalty, while Kazakhstan hit the post, resulting in a hard-earned victory for China.

Kazakhstan, a dominant force in Asian water polo and consecutive Asian Games champion, had been considered strong contender for the gold medal.

In the 2018 Asian Games, China had lost to Kazakhstan by a single goal in the semifinals. Kazakhstan then went on to defeat Japan and clinch the title, while China finished fourth.

"We have been preparing for many years just for this Asian Games gold medal," said China goalkeeper Wu Honghui, who put on an exceptional performance in the match.

In the other semifinal, Japan defeated Iran 18-11. The winner of Saturday's final will secure a place at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Wu Honghui (2nd L), goalkeeper of China, competes during Men's Semifinal of Water Polo at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

Players of China celebrate after Men's Semifinal of Water Polo at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

Wu Honghui (3rd L), goalkeeper of China, competes during Men's Semifinal of Water Polo at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)