US routs South Africa 24-2 to begin water polo title defense

Published Jul. 16, 2017 5:13 p.m. ET

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.

Jamie Neushul scored a game-high six goals.

The U.S., Olympic champion and winner of every major competition since the 2013 worlds, leads Group B on goal difference 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, defeated France 17-2 in Group C, where host Hungary beat Japan 20-11.

In Group D, Australia defeated Kazakhstan 16-4, and Russia had a 9-7 win over Greece.