Uruguay takes Development Trophy gold, after disqualifications

Uruguay was awarded the FINA World Men’s Water Polo Development Trophy title on Sunday October 22 in Gzira, Malta, after the host country team and 2015 Trophy champions Iran were disqualified for unacceptable behaviour within the field of play.

As Malta-Iran were competing in the pool for the gold medal, tensions started to erupt in and out of the water which led to the disqualification of both teams in accordance with FINA Water Polo rules.

Following this unfortunate event, Uruguay won the title, followed by Saudi Arabia (silver) and Austria. (bronze).

Santiago San Martin of Uruguay was named as Most Valuable Player of the competition. Diego Villar (PER) was the top scorer, while Alfonso Rodriguez (URU) was the best goalkeeper.

The final ranking of the 2017 Development Trophy is as follows:

1. Uruguay, 2. Saudi Arabia, 3. Austria, 4. Tunisia, 5. Peru, 6. Singapore

The last edition back in 2015 in Tehran (IRI) was won by the host country team, while Uruguay took silver and Austria bronze. Uzbekistan won the 2013 edition of the Development Trophy in Kuwait City, Egypt and Saudi Arabia came second and third respectively.