*

Olympic Test Event: Water Polo

Wednesday, 19th March 2008 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)

Water polo is the most exciting sport played in a Speedo. What's not to like about athletes who can jump out of the water up to their waists to take an impossibly hard shot on goal, while an opponent is kicking them in the stomach and grabbing their suit?

If you're in Beijing, you can see some water polo action this week, as well as get a sneak preview of the Yingtung Natatorium (英东游泳馆) at a steep discount compared to the price of an Olympic ticket.

U.S. Captain Brenda Villa
U.S. Captain Brenda Villa
Games of the Good Luck Beijing Water Polo Open are being played from 3:00 to 6:00, every day through Sunday this week. The women's competition is definitely the hotter ticket. It features the United States, which won a silver medal in 2000 and a bronze in 2004; and Australia, which won gold as the host of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Saturday's USA-Australia game could well be a preview of this coming August's gold medal match.

The Yingtung Natatorium is located in the Olympic complex out at the Fifth Ring Road. The closest subway station, about 10 minutes' walk away, is Huixinxijie Beikou on Line 5. Head east from there, and find the pool to the south. Tickets are 10 or 20 yuan on weekdays, 30 or 50 yuan for weekend games.

Tuesday March 18 (Women)

3:00 Australia defeated China, 9-6
4:30 USA defeated Russia, 15-9

Wednesday March 19 (Men)

3:00 China v. Shanghai
4:30 Guangdong v. Australia

Thursday March 20 (Women)

3:00 Australia v. Russia
4:30 China v. USA

Friday March 21 (Men)

3:00 China v. Guangdong
4:30 Shanghai v. Australia

Saturday March 22 (Women)

3:00 Australia v. USA
4:30 Russia v. China

Sunday March 23 (Men)

3:00 Guangdong v. Shanghai
4:30 China v. Australia

Link: Water Polo Open Homepage
Image: NBCSports.com

Tags: Good Luck Beijing, test event, water polo, Yingtung Natatorium