THE 2 EVENTS

• 1 men's tournament
• 1 women's tournament

THE FORMAT

• For the men's knock-out phase there are two groups of six teams. The first four in each group make the quarter-finals with the winner of Group A facing the fourth placed side from Group B etc... Then there is the semi finals, third-place play-off and the final.
• In the women's tournament there are two groups of four teams. No team is elimintaed but the standings again determine the nature of the quarter-finals match ups (1A-4B, 2A-3B, etc). Semi-finals, a third place play-off and a final then follow.

MILESTONES

Mid 19th century

A ball game played in the water, the "waterderby", is practised in Great Britain.

1876

William Wilson devises the rules for "water baseball".

1879

The number of players increases from 3 to 9 per team.

1880

The game takes the name of "water handball".

1883-1888

The first rules of the game are established.

1900

Water polo makes its Olympic debut at the Games in Paris. Great Britain win the gold medal

1924

Johnny Weissmuller, the future big screen Tarzan, wins the bronze medal in water polo to complement his gold medals in the 100m, 400m and 4x200m freestyle.

1932

Hungary win the first of nine Olympic titles in Los Angeles.

December 6, 1956

A month and two days after the invasion of Hungary by the USSR, the Hungarian and Soviet players meet in Olympic competition during the Melbourne Games. The match descends into violent anarchy and the referee is forced to abandon while Hungary lead 4-0. Hungary are declared winners. Police have to intervene to stop the 5500 spectators from attacking the Soviet team.

1973

In Belgrade, Hungary win the first men's world championships.

1986

The first women's world championships are held, with Australia claiming victory.

2000

A century after the men's first Olympic competition, women make their Olympic debut at Sydney.

STARS

Dezso Gyarmati (Hungary)

Medal collector. Three Olympic titles in 1952, 1956 and 1964 as well as silver in 1948 and bronze in 1960. The most decorated medalist in the sport's Olympic history. The symbol of Hungarian domination.

Manuel Estiarte (Spain)

Spanish hero. Olympic champion in 1996, silver medalist in 1992 and world champion in 1998. Also runner-up at world championships in 1991 and 1994. Winner of 5 European Cups and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Francesco Attolico (Italy)

The great barrier. Olympic gold medalist in 1992, bronze medalist in 1996 and world champion in 1994. Twice European champion in 1993 and 1995. One of the great goalkeepers of the sport.

Copyright 2008 Agence France-Presse.