Gold medalists of Team Italy pose for group photos during the awarding ceremony for men's water polo at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
CHENGDU, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Reigning champions Italy snatched victory in the tournament's closing competition of the FISU World University Games, defeating Hungary 13-11 in the men's water polo final here on Tuesday.
Italy secured a clean sweep to reach the final against Hungary. They began powerfully in the first quarter, establishing a 6-3 lead over their opponents.
"Our goal has always been the champions, and we managed to get the well deserved victory today," said Daniele Bettini, the Italy team coach.
"It is our great pleasure to win the last gold medal, and all the spectators witnessed what we have done today," said 19-year-old Pietro Faraglia, the youngest player on the Italy team.
Earlier on Tuesday, Georgia secured the bronze medal with a 12-7 victory over the United States. ■
Giorgi Magrakvelidze (L) of Georgia competes during the water polo men's bronze medal match between Georgia and the United States at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Bronze medalists of Team Georgia pose for photos during the awarding ceremony for men's water polo at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Goalkeeper Irakli Razmadze (C) of Georgia competes during the water polo men's bronze medal match between Georgia and the United States at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
Giorgi Magrakvelidze (L) of Georgia competes during the water polo men's bronze medal match between Georgia and the United States at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Khvicha Jakhaia (L) of Georgia competes during the water polo men's bronze medal match between Georgia and the United States at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Goalkeeper Irakli Razmadze of Georgia competes during the water polo men's bronze medal match between Georgia and the United States at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Bronze medalists of Team Georgia react during the awarding ceremony for men's water polo at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
Silver medalists of Team Hungary celebrate during the awarding ceremony for men's water polo at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
Goalkeeper Garret Griggs of the United States competes during the water polo men's bronze medal match between Georgia and the United States at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Nika Shushiashvili (L) of Georgia vies with Benjamin Liechty of the United States during the water polo men's bronze medal match between Georgia and the United States at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
Bronze medalists of Team Georgia pose for photos after the awarding ceremony for men's water polo at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
Gold medalists of Team Italy celebrate during the awarding ceremony for men's water polo at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
