BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Four-time winner United States began the defense of its women’s water polo title with a 24-2 rout of South Africa at the world swimming championships on Sunday.
The U.S., Olympic champion and winner of every major competition since the 2013 worlds, leads Group B on goal difference after one game from Spain, which enjoyed a 10-2 win over New Zealand.
Italy defeated Canada 10-4 and China began its campaign with an 11-4 victory over Brazil in Group A.
The Netherlands, 2015 silver medalist, started later Sunday against France in Group C, where host Hungary was to play Japan.