Guangdong topple Shanghai to win water polo crown

2009-10-28 18:18 BJT

Guangdong and defending champions Shanghai settled the water polo gold medal in an intense competition.

Guangdong took the lead only three minutes into the first period...Han Zhendong scored to make it 1 0.

we take another look at Han Zhendong's individual effort...Guangdong had four wins in a row advancing to the final.

 But Shanghai evened the score...Wang Beiming hits a penalty shot for the defending champions.

Wang with a skillful play that kept the goaltender off balance...Guangdong 1 1 Shanghai

Two and half minutes left in the first period. Shanghai beat the Guangdong defense with a catch and shoot play. The champs would take a 3 2 lead into the break.

Guangdong stayed close in the second period and finally tied the match with seconds remaining. Pang Ning received a deep cross and sent the ball home with his left hand.

Pang beats the defensive pressure to make the score 3 3...he is one of Guangdong's rising stars.

Guangdong retook the lead with less than 7 minutes left in the third period.A series of passes resulted with a quick shot and a score.The crucial goal puts Guangdong in position to keep Shanghai at bay and play tough defense until the end.

Turning to the final period.Guangdong led 7 5 and scored again...this shot gave the challengers a 3 goal advantage.

Shanghai pulled out all the stops against Guangdong's goal in the final minutes.The all out scoring strategy resulted in a goal that cut the deficit to 2.

But Guangdong's defense stayed solid, creating a monumental upset win over Shanghai 8 6.

Guangdong smashes Shanghai's 12 year dominance in water polo, winning the gold medal for the first time at the National Games.

Editor: James | Source: CCTV.com