Aussie Stingers Sydney Test Match Cancelled

Water Polo Australia has been advised by the Chinese Women’s Water Polo Team that they are required to return home earlier then anticipated and as a result official test matches scheduled for 11 and 12 August will be cancelled.

The Chinese team advised “due to revised team processing requirements with the Chinese Olympic Committee ahead of the Asian Games that start on 18 August, the Chinese Water Polo team needs to return home earlier then expected.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience and problem caused and thank everyone for their understanding.”

Water Polo Australia High Performance Manager Aleksandr Osadchuk, said while it is disappointing fans will not be able to see the Aussie Stingers play at home, it won’t impact preparations for the FINA World Cup.

“We apologise to all the fans who made plans to come along and watch their Aussies Stingers playing at home,” said Osadchuk.

“These circumstances were beyond our control.

“We have enjoyed the training camp with China at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra and our team is very pleased with how their preparations are coming together ahead of the FINA World Cup.

“As planned, our Aussie Stingers will now head to the USA next week for a training camp and two test matches against the reigning Olympic Champions, their final stop ahead the World Cup in Russia which starts on the 4 September.

“While the team is naturally disappointed they won’t be able to play in front of the home crowd in Sydney, we hope to bring more international events to Australia in future,” he said.

Both the test matches scheduled at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August will be cancelled.