China beats Kazakhstan in women's water polo in Asiad

Defending champion China breezed past Kazakhstan 11-4 (3-1, 4-1, 2-1 and 2-1) in the women's water polo preliminary round at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta on Thursday.

Xiong Dunhan (1st R) of China competes during women's water polo tournament Group A match between China and Kazakhstan at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 16, 2018. China won 11-4. [Photo: Xinhua/Fei Maohua]

With a mixed squad of veterans and rookies, China dominated the match as Xiong Dunhan and Zhang Jing contributed a pair of goals each while seven other players also had their scoring marks.

"We were a little bit nervous before the match because it's our first big international competition. But we did well as we prepared well, and I'm much more confident now to face other teams during the coming matches," said Xiong.

"I scored two goals, but I also made some errors and missed the chances to score more. I hope I can do better tomorrow when we play against Japan."

Players of China celebrate after women's water polo tournament Group A match against Kazakhstan at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 16, 2018. China won 11-4. [Photo: Xinhua/Fei Maohua]

In other two matches, Japan trounced Indonesia 15-4, Thailand beat Hong Kong, China 19-6.

A total of six teams are competing in the women's water polo at the Jakarta Asian Games which will be officially opened on Aug. 18.

China has wrapped up the two titles since the sport debuted in the Asian Games in 2010.