TOKYO, Japan, May 27 (Mehr News Agency)-- Iran's water polo team is being thrashed heavily in the 7th edition of the FINA Men's Water Polo World League.

Iran finished fourth in the first leg of the Asia/Oceania zone and will start the second leg on Friday, when the team is slated to play giants China.

Iran has lost the first leg matches to Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand respectively.

Altogether 21 countries competed in the event's first leg round.

The top ten teams will qualify for the final round which is being held from April 16-22 in Genoa, Italy.

The FINA Water Polo World League began in 2002 to capitalize on increased worldwide popularity of water polo created by recent Olympic Games, especially in Europe, North America and Asia.

... Payvand News - 05/27/08 ... --