In a nail-biting finish, China’s women’s water polo team clinched the Asian Championship title after defeating Japan 18-17 in a thrilling penalty shootout on Sunday in Zhaoqing, Guangdong.
Throughout the tournament, China showcased dominant performances, cruising through the initial matches with ease. However, the final against Japan proved to be a formidable challenge.
In the first quarter, Japan capitalized on their opportunities, taking an early 4-1 lead by exploiting numerical advantages. China struggled to find their rhythm, missing several promising chances.
But the Chinese team demonstrated resilience, gradually closing the gap despite Japan’s strong defense. The teams were neck and neck throughout the game, leading to a tense showdown.
The match ultimately went into a penalty shootout. Chinese goalkeeper and team captain Shen Yi emerged as the hero, making three crucial saves that secured the victory for China.
“The last shot of the penalty shootout wasn’t too difficult for me because I know my opponent well,” said Shen Yi after the game. “We’ve been competing against each other since the 2018 Asian Games. She’s also a veteran on their team. I just trusted my instincts, based on all my previous experiences and our preparations for this match. I didn’t overthink it, so it wasn’t very difficult for me.”
Both teams fielded young players in this championship, highlighting the rising talents in Asian women’s water polo.
China’s victory not only earns them the championship title but also boosts their confidence as they look ahead to future international competitions.
