Uzbekistan dominate Hong Kong, China

Uzbekistan thoroughly dominated Hong Kong, China in the second day of the men's Water Polo at Al-Sadd Aquatic Centre. The Uzbeks, coming off a 12-6 loss to China yesterday, 6 December, needed to make up ground if they want to play in the semi-finals.

Mission accomplished.

Uzbekistan began in fine form, attacking doggedly and putting the outclassed Hong Kong, China, swimmers on the defensive. In the first eight minutes Uzbekistan finished 5-0 ahead.

Confused, the opposition tried to rally in the second period, but Uzbekistan continued to swim rings around their opponents, finishing the period with another 5-0 score, putting the Uzbeks 10 goals ahead.

Now the men of Hong Kong, China rallied, and made a determined attempt to turn the tide. The effectively blocked Uzbek attacks and even put their first score on the board, ending the half 1-1. In the last half, the rally took root and Hong Kong, China ran took the game to the Uzbeks in earnest. The tactic paid off, but it was too little, too late, and the period ended 3-4, giving a 14-5 victory to the Uzbeks.

With a 19-9 defeat of Saudi Arabia behind them, Hong Kong, China needed superior passing and communication to reach the semifinals. They were sadly lacking. The real tragedy for the Hong Kong, Chinese, was that their top scorer, Wong Kai Hay Howard got the shot, but missed the target. He shot eight times for three goals.

On the Uzbek side Rais Kovyazin scored four goals out of seven shots while Alexsandr Yashnov scored three goals for seven shots.

Hong Kong, China, who go on to play China 9 December, have no hope of reaching the semifinal, while Uzbekistan, who do have a chance, play Japan on 10 December.

By 15th Asian Games, Doha 2006