China claimed the inaugural women's water polo gold at the 2026 Sanya Asian Beach Games, defeating Kazakhstan 3-1 in four sets, in the decisive round-robin match in Hainan Province on Friday.
China's players celebrate after defeating Kazakhstan to win the women's water polo final at the 2026 Sanya Asian Beach Games in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, April 24, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)
Heavy rain forced the contest indoors, where the two unbeaten sides met with the title on the line. China jumped out to a strong start, taking the first set 4-1. Kazakhstan responded by edging the second 4-3 to level the match.
China regained control after the break, dominating the third set 4-0 to move ahead 2-1. The fourth saw the two sides locked at 3-3, forcing a golden-goal decider.
Yang Sheng uncorked the winning strike in the sudden death session to seal the set, locking up a 3-1 victory for China.
The hosts finished unbeaten in the round-robin competition to take gold, while Kazakhstan settled for silver and Thailand bagged bronze.
Women's water polo was making its debut at this year's sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games.