Australian teams experienced great success at the 18th CMAS Underwater Hockey World Championships. The tournament was held in Eger, Hungary from 23 to 31 August 2013.
With 84 athletes and more than ten support staff it was the largest contingent Australia has ever sent to an international tournament.
All seven Australian teams progressed through to the semi final stage and four teams collected medals.
The Master’s Men and Master’s Women were crowned World Champions after winning their respective finals. The Master’s Women defeated South Africa 7-2 in the playoff game after going through the tournament undefeated. The Master’s Men won an epic final 4-1 against the Netherlands to secure gold.
The U23 Men had a seesawing final match against New Zealand but were defeated 2-4 to collect silver.
The Elite Men recovered from a heart breaking semi final loss to France (2-1 after extra time) to collect bronze. They defeated Great Britain 7-1 in a one sided final.
The Elite Women were unable to overcome a strong and well-drilled South African outfit in the bronze medal playoff. They tried their hearts out but were defeated 4-1.
The U19 Men and Women’s teams faced France and South Africa in their respective finals. The U19 Men lost 3-4 in an entertaining contest while the U19 Women lost 3-4 in a nail biting game decided in extra time.
Full results from the tournament can be viewed online at: http://www.horizonsolutions.tv/leagues/world-underwater-hockey-championships-2013?view=results
Thank you to all those who sent messages of support and followed the action online.
