Canoe Polo is poised for two major events in the space of just one week as teams look to make their mark in China.
The International Canoe Federation Canoe Polo World Championships will begin in Deqing in just four days’ time.
Before then, all eyes will be on the ICF Hangzhou Super Cup where Canoe Polo will be staged alongside Canoe Slalom, Canoe Sprint and Canoe Marathon.
Canoe Polo will be played under an exciting new format in Hangzhou, creating the opportunity for a few surprises.
Matches will be held on October 12 and 13 at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre.
Here is our selection of teams to look out for in China.
Germany
It is hard to look past Germany who are the strong favourites to win both the men’s and women’s titles in Hangzhou. The Germans are the reigning men’s and women’s world champions following a dominant 2022 ICF Canoe Polo World Championships. The women have won seven world crowns, including four of the past five editions, while the men triumphed in both 2018 and 2022.
Spain
Consistent performers on the world stage, Spain are expected to be in amongst the medals again. The Spanish men’s team are particularly potent having reached the world men’s final in 2022 where they lost 4-3 to Germany after thumping Italy 7-0 in the semi-finals. Spain have won a medal at the past four editions of the World Championships.
Italy
Ranked world number two in the women’s and three in the men’s, Italy will be one of the teams to watch out for in Hangzhou. The Italian men captured the world title in 2016, sealed silver in 2018 and bagged bronze in 2022, while the women have placed third at the past two World Championships.
New Zealand
Looking away from Europe, New Zealand will provide a big threat in both the men’s and women’s competition. They have the potential to cause an upset and could benefit from a favourable draw. The New Zealand women clinched the world crown in 2016, denying Germany a third successive title.
Chinese Taipei
Of the Asian teams lining up in Hangzhou, Chinese Taipei have the potential to give sides a tough battle. The Chinese Taipei women made their mark at the 2022 World Championships, beating Sweden and Singapore, holding Spain to a 2-2 draw and scoring two in defeat to Italy.
Full coverage of this week's ICF Hangzhou Super Cup featuring Canoe Slalom, Canoe Sprint, Canoe Marathon and Canoe Polo can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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