Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
In a closely contested water polo match, Montenegro defeated Russia after a sudden-death shootout that required seven successful penalty shots, resulting in a 3-2 victory for Montenegro. Croatia beat Malta 3-0, while Japan swept Mongolia by invoking the mercy rule in three consecutive sets, each ending 8-0. Bulgaria overcame Georgia 3-0, the USA defeated Lithuania 3-0, Australia beat Saudi Arabia 3-0, Serbia routed Hong Kong China I 3-0, and Spain also won 3-0 against Hong Kong China II. Serbia, Spain, and Croatia each hold maximum points, with Montenegro, Japan, USA, and Australia ranked among the top eight teams.
Japan dominated Mongolia by enforcing the mercy rule in all three sets. Players Shotaro Yamada, Yuya Nakayama, Ryosuke Aizawa, and Shota Inoue combined for 18 goals, backed by goalkeeper Hideki Mitari's 12 saves. Japan capitalized on fast breaks and a 75 percent shooting accuracy, registering 32 shots compared to Mongolia's 13.
Bulgaria secured its win against Georgia by claiming the sets 4-2, 3-2, and 3-1. A pivotal moment came in the second set when Aleksandar Velkov scored a penalty for a 3-2 win. Velkov finished with five goals, while Georgia's Davit Chkheidze scored twice. Georgia's captain and goalkeeper Beka Kapanadze made 10 saves. Bulgaria posted a shooting percentage of 41 percent with 24 shots on goal.
The USA rebounded from a prior loss by defeating Lithuania 3-0 with set scores of 4-2, 4-2, and 5-1. USA captain Max Irving notably scored by outleaping the goalkeeper. Lithuania missed two penalties during the match.