Gunfire Interrupts Opening-Round Game in U20 Water Polo World Championships
The first day of the U20 Water Polo World Championships in Brazil was interrupted by gunfire during the match between China and Canada. Competing in the city of Salvador, Chinese and Canadian players were forced to exit the pool, lay down and take cover when gunshots rang out from a neighborhood outside of the water polo venue.
China was ahead by a goal at the time of the first-half stoppage and went on to earn a 12-8 victory. According to reports, players ducked behind a barrier upon hearing the gunfire. Police indicated that the gunfire was the result of a confrontation between authorities and an alleged thief who was trying to escape.
“The match stopped for about a minute,” said Marco Antonio Lemos, the head of the Bahia State Water Sports Federation. “Our team saw that the police were taking care of it.”
Brazil is serving as the host of the tournament for the first time.
The United States won its first game on Sunday with an 11-10 decision over Hungary, as Emily Ausmus scored on a power play with just 18 seconds remaining. Ausmus had two goals and was named player of the match. Goalie Lauren Steele registered five saves.
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