THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES AT THE OPENING OF 12th WORLD FINA WATER POLO CUP

Belgrade, 21 August 2002. – Last night, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Aleksandar II, Crown Princess Katherine and Prince Philip attended the opening ceremony of the 12th FINA Men's Water Polo World Cup, held at Belgrade’s Tasmajdan Pool from 20 to 25 August.

Many distinguished guests at the opening included the FRY President Dr. Vojislav Koštunica, President of Serbia Mr. Milan Milutinović, Serbian Prime Minister Dr. Zoran Đinđić, the highest Federal and Republic office holders, representatives of the diplomatic corps, among them the US Ambasador to Belgrade His Excellency Mr. William Montgomery and others.

The Competition was declared open by Dr. Zoran Đinđić, Serbian Prime Minister and the President of the Organising Commitee for the Belgrade 2002 FINA Cup.

Prior to the official opening the participants and spectators were welcomed by Mr. Aleksandar Šoštar, President of the Yugoslav Water Polo Association and on behalf of FINA Mr. Guillermo Martinez, member of the Executive Board.

After the spectacular opening ceremony accompanied by fireworks, the Yugoslav team swept aside the USA 9-4 in a showcase match.

The world's top eight teams (Greece, Croatia, Italy, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Russia, USA and Spain) will compete for placement in the next World Water Polo Cup in Barcelona (Spain).