KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand men's water polo team notched their first ever win at a world championships in Melbourne today, beating Japan 10-9 for 15th place.
Down 7-8 going into the final quarter, two quick goals from Richard Claridge proved decisive for the New Zealanders, who endured a number of heavy losses at the tournament.
They were relieved to emerge on top in an even encounter, which was locked 4-4 at halftime.
French-based Wellingtonians Timothy Grace and Lachlan Tijsen both scored three goals for New Zealand while Zoltan Boros and Claridge each bagged a double.
New Zealand first qualified for a world championship in 1982 and again competed in 1990, 1994 and 1998 without a win while finishing 16th and last in each.
It was also New Zealand's first win over Japan having lost to them on several occasions in the past.
- NZPA