Completely against expectations, the Japanese eliminated the Olympic and world champions, the United States, during the Water Polo World Cup, which was held in the Japanese city of Fukuoka. The Dutch team, led by coach Eva Dudessis, is seeking a medal in this tournament, just as happened a year ago in Hungary. Then came bronze.
“With America unable to become world champion, we all want to be next,” said player Vivian Sevenic. “Now it’s about who can keep their nerves under control best and who can continue to play their own game. It will be a very beautiful match against Italy, full of passion and aggressive spirit.”
Long path
During the World Swimming Championships, which were also held in Fukuoka, swimmer Marit Steenbergen finished seventh yesterday in her first final in the individual world long course championships. Her final time of 2:11:89 in the 200m individual medley was disappointing. In Sunday’s semi-final, the national record holder ran a time of 2:09:30.
As in short track, the world title went to American Kate Douglas: 2.07.17. There will be no Dutch participation in the finals on Monday. Tess Schouten (100 school), Mikey DeWard and Kira Toussaint (100 backstroke) stumbled in the semifinals.
