The Aussie Stingers will be looking for back to back wins when they line up against Japan in game three of the FINA World Championships.

After their win over China, the Aussies will be looking to finish out the pool matches with a strong win over Japan ahead of this weekend’s cross over matches.

The Aussie Stingers hosted Japan at the start of the year for a two test match series in Brisbane, where Australia went undefeated.

Despite a strong record against Japan, Rio Olympian Isobel Bishop said the unpredictability Japan bring makes them a tough opponent. 

“Japan are known for playing a really different style of water polo to other countries… and they have speed. 

“Hosting the Olympic Games next year, we know they (Japan) will be out to impress. This is the last major tournament ahead of the Tokyo Olympics so there is a lot at stake. 

“They have an aggressive style of play… so we need to make sure we approach the game with cool heads and control the game and stick to our game plan. 

Japan will be out for redemption when they meet Australia, coming into the game with two narrow losses against Italy and China. 

Game three will be the final in the pool stages ahead of Saturday’s cross over matches for the women’s water polo.

Catch all the action live on www.finatv.live

Lea Yanitsas enjoying being back with the Aussie Stingers

Rio Olympian Lea Yanitsas is back with the Aussie Stingers for the FINA World Championships, but her preparations have been a little more hectic then most.

This is the first major international tournament for Yantisas since she welcomed her son eight months ago with husband and Australian Junior Men’s Coach Andrew Yanitsas.

“It’s been a very different experience in camp this time around, but it’s been awesome. I’m so grateful for the support of my family, my team and our coaches who have welcomed me back.

“Playing for my country is such as privilege and to be doing it again… I just couldn’t be happier,” she said.

With just over one year to go until the Tokyo Olympics, Yanitsas admitted attending her second Olympics has been in her sights.

“I’ve been playing national league (OVO Australian Waterpolo League) and Tokyo (Olympics) has always been on the cards.

“Rio feels like yesterday and I can’t believe we’re one year out from Tokyo. In saying that, so much has happened in that time, for me my life has changed completely,” she said.

But Yanitsas said for her and the team can’t get too far ahead and have to focus on building towards Tokyo.

“It’s about taking it day by day, improving each day and doing things better.”

Today the Aussie Stingers will take on China, looking to rebound after a narrow loss to Italy in the opening match of the FINA World Championships.

“China is a team we play a lot so we are very familiar with their style and what they are capable of. The are always a fierce opponent and one that you can’t underestimate.

“But with all our games we have to try to focus on what we are doing, improving our areas of the game and working as a team.

“We have had a solid preparation together and now we have to trust the plans we have in place.

“This team we have assembled has been so working hard and it’s a great group to be playing with,” she said.

The Aussie Stingers take on China Tuesday 16 July at 5:30pm AEST.

Australia's ready for a tough opener at the FINA World Championships

The Aussie Stingers are set to kick off their 2019 FINA World Championships campaign tonight when they go head to head with Italy in the opening match of the tournament.

The Australian women’s team have drawn Italy, China and Japan in the pool stages of the World Championships.

After a close encounter with the Italians in the World League Finals earlier this year that saw the Aussie Stingers narrowly go down by two, the Australians will be out for redemption.

Rio Olympian Keesja Gofers said the Aussie Stingers have had a good preparation heading into the World Championships, but it will be key to come out of the gates strong.

“Italy are going to be tough, they had a good World League Final finishing second against the USA. They will defiantly be wanting to build on this result.

“Italy have good outsides shooters and are known for their aggressive style of play. Sticking to our game plan is going to be important.

“We just have to do whatever it takes and approach these World Championships one game at a time.

“We are feeling prepared and have been doing a lot of analysis coming out of the World League Final.

“If we can stick to an energetic and aggressive style of play we know we ca be tough. We want to be known for our speed, not just in the water but terms of our execution.”

All the action from the FINA World Championships will be shown live on FINA TV – www.finatv.live

Follow the Aussie Stingers and Aussie Sharks campaign at the FINA World Championships on social @WaterpoloAus

FINA WORLD CHAMPS SCHEDULE

Sunday 14/07/19 - WOMEN
Australia vs Italy
Time: 20:30 (local), 21:30 (AEST)

Tuesday 16/07/19 – WOMEN
Australia vs China
Time: 16:30 (local), 17:30 (AEST)

Thursday 18/07/19 – WOMEN
Australia vs Japan
Time: 11:10 (local) 12:10pm (AEST)

Aussie Stingers Team
Zoe Arancini (WA) Melville
Elle Armit (NSW) Drummoyne Devils
Isobel Bishop (NSW) Sydney Uni
Hannah Buckling (NSW) Sydney Uni
Keesja Gofers (NSW) Sydney Uni
Bronte Halligan (NSW) UCLA
Bronwen Knox (Qld) Qld Thunder
Lena Mihailovic (NSW) Ferencvrosi
Gabriella Palm (Qld) Qld Thunder
Amy Ridge (NSW) UNSW Wests
Maddy Steere (Vic) Michigan
Rowie Webster (C) (Vic) Balmain Tigers
Lea Yanitsas (NSW) UNSW Wests