New Zealand matched a strong Canadian team for three-quarters of their women's water polo match at the world championship in Rome overnight (NZT) before eventually succumbing 12-6.
The New Zealanders started strongly and held Canada to 4-4 midway through the match before the Canadians edged out to a narrow 7-5 lead at the three-quarter mark.
However, a final quarter blowout, when New Zealand could manage just one goal to Canada's five, put the match out of reach.
The result built on a strong start for New Zealand at the championship after they beat South Africa 12-5 in their opening match.
Results: Australia 23 South Africa 2, Russia 11 United States 10, Netherlands 15 Spain 15, Brazil 12 Germany 12, China 28 Uzbekistan 6, Hungary 8 Italy 6.
- NZPA
Water polo: Kiwis battle bravely against Canada
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