Li Deming (L) of China competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

SINGAPORE, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese men's water polo team opened their Group D campaign at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships with a 25-6 defeat to defending champions Croatia here on Friday.

Drawn into a highly competitive group, China faces a tough challenge alongside 2023 Fukuoka Worlds' silver medalists Greece, perennial powerhouses Montenegro, and world No.1 Croatia, who also won the 2024 Doha World Aquatics Championships.

Croatia showcased their world-class strength from the outset, pressing aggressively on defense and forcing China into early turnovers. Taking advantage of their quick transition play, the reigning champions raced ahead. Despite a first-quarter goal from Wang Beiyi, China trailed 12-1 at halftime.

China regained some rhythm in the second half, with Xie Zekai, Peng Jiahao and Cai Yuhao all getting on the scoresheet. However, Croatia maintained full control throughout, extending their lead to close out the game 25-6.

Making his third World Championships appearance, Peng said the team approached the match with a learning mindset, trying to execute the coach's pre-match instructions by managing the clock and limiting errors.

Speaking on the team's improved performance in the third quarter, Peng noted: "We are a relatively young team, and some of our players were a bit nervous in the opening half. But by the third quarter, everyone settled down and began to show their true ability."

China will face Greece in their second group match.

Running from July 11 to August 3 in Singapore, the 2025 World Aquatics Championships features six disciplines: diving, artistic swimming, water polo, high diving, swimming and open water swimming. ■

Chen Rui of China competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Li Deming of China competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Luka Bukic (top) of Croatia competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Chen Rui (L) of China competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Wu Honghui (top) of China competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Liu Yu (L) of China competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Luka Bukic (R) of Croatia competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Loren Fatovic (front) of Croatia competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Players of China receive instruction from the team coach during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Chen Zhongxian (L) of China competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Marko Bijac (top), goalkeeper of Croatia, competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Wu Honghui (2nd L), goalkeeper of China, competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Cai Yuhao (R) of China shoots the ball during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Konstantin Kharkov of Croatia competes during the men's water polo preliminary match between China and Croatia at World Aquatics Championship 2025 in Singapore on July 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)