Channel NewsAsia - 1 hour 47 minutes ago
SINGAPORE: Top water polo teams will be stopping over in Singapore for a competition ahead of the Beijing Olympics. World champions Croatia will lead five other teams, including, Italy, Montenegro, Germany and Australia.
They will be creating a big splash here at the pre—Olympics Water Polo Invitational, which will also see some of the world’s best women teams in action.
In the women’s competition, the Chinese team will want to hone their skills against the likes of Greece, Italy and Russia.
Singapore was selected because of similar climatic conditions and time zone with the Chinese capital.
The Singapore Sports School, which boasts the only Olympic—sized indoor pool, will be the venue for the event from July 31 till August 4.
The latest competition is just a prelude to bigger things being planned for the sport here in Singapore — among them being a regional hub, and getting the men’s water polo team ready for the 2010 Asian Games.
Competition is one aspect Singapore needs to improve on in order to make a mark regionally.
The pre—Olympic competition will also help Team Singapore improve their game. Though not competing, they will gain valuable experience by watching these top teams train.
However, they will be in action at the Singapore Invitational in November, competing with regional power houses like Iran as they gear up for the Asian Games.
Yip Ren Kai, Vice Captain, Singapore Water Polo Team, said: "We know a couple of issues regarding working and playing at the same time. But, definitely, I will try to be there because I think this is the first step to going towards (a) higher level of playing."
Even the women’s game is set to benefit from the visit by the top teams.
Tan Su—Lynn, a member of the Singapore Women’s Water Polo Team, said: "China is the fastest improving country in water polo in the women’s scene and there is definitely something to learn from them."
Tickets will be priced at S$60 for a five—day pass, and S$25 for single—day tickets. — CNA/vm