USA Loses In Water Polo

[AP]

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) -- Swimmers made a fuss about the
dingy water of the pool at the Goodwill Games, but the water polo
players don't seem to mind.
The water at the Army Sports Complex pool, which went from black
to brown to dark green last week, improved to a light green
Wednesday -- with the bottom clearly visible.
``The only thing I don't like about this pool is losing in it,''
said U.S. coach Rich Corso after his team lost 9-4 to Russia.
Coupled with Tuesday's 11-8 loss to Germany, the Americans were
eliminated from medal contention.
``I don't care what color the pool is, just that the water is
wet,'' said U.S. team captain and goalie Chris Duplanty. ``The pool
color can be red or purple. I couldn't care less. It has no bearing
on the game.''
Angry St. Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak said Wednesday that
he and Goodwill Games president Jack Kelly would put on a swimming
exhibition at the pool next week to show the water is safe.
``I am personally going to swim .... and Jack Kelly has agreed
to swim as well,'' Sobchak said.
Sobchak threatened to sue a Swedish firm, contracted to renovate
the pool, over the faulty filtration system which caused a one-day
postponement of the swimming events last week. Swedish swimmers
pulled out of the competition, while others called the pool the
``Black Lagoon.''
The Goodwill Games water polo field is among the season's
strongest, a tune-up for the swimming world championships in Rome
in September. Only Hungary -- where water polo is the national sport
-- has sent its second team to give its top side a rest after
winning last week's Korona Cup.
In the two other first-round games through Wednesday, Italy and
Spain played an 8-8 draw and Spain defeated Hungary 15-7.
Italy is probably the favorite for Saturday's gold medal. The
Italians have taken almost every major championship since their
three-overtime win over Spain in the gold-medal game in the
Barcelona Olympics.
The only big tournament missed by the Italians was the Korona
Cup, where they were fourth behind Hungary, Croatia and Russia.
The United States is into its third week playing and traveling
daily in Italy, Hungary -- and now Russia.
Chris Humbert, the club's top scorer in Barcelona where the
Americans finished fourth, is out with a dislocated shoulder. Two
other players -- Doug Kimbell and Chi Kredell are also playing with
injuries.