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