China Faces Heavy Defeat Against Greece in Men's Water Polo at World Aquatics Championships

In Singapore on July 14, the Chinese men's water polo team encountered a significant setback, losing 26-5 to Greece in their second Group D match of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. This loss follows their first round defeat, leaving China with two straight losses as they strive for a win in their group. The match positioned China's team, ranked 19th globally, against the formidable Greek squad, currently ranked 4th and known for their impressive track record, including a strong showing at previous world championships and the Olympic Games.

The match began with Chinese goalkeeper Wu Honghui making a notable penalty save; however, Greece quickly established control and consistently penetrated China's defense. China's attempts at offense were often thwarted, and they found themselves trailing significantly, ending the first half with a daunting 12-0 deficit.

While players Wang Beiyi, Peng Jiahao, and Chen Rui managed to score in the third quarter, Greece's superior experience ensured their commanding position throughout the game. Chinese player Chen Zhongxian pointed out that the competition revealed the considerable gap between his team and the more established European teams. Head coach Ivan Asic acknowledged the challenges faced, noting that the team had only recently begun training and highlighting the need for continued improvement and preparation. Looking forward, China is set to compete against Montenegro in their next and final group-stage match. The World Aquatics Championships, taking place from July 11 to August 3, features a range of disciplines, including water polo, diving, and swimming.