Malta suffered a 3-0 defeat against Russia in their latest match at the World Aquatics Men’s 4×4 Water Polo Championships in Budapest.

Following their 3-1 victory over Lithuania, the Maltese side faced a tougher challenge against Russia, who secured the match by winning the opening three sets.

Russia made the stronger start and took the first set 4-2, putting Malta under immediate pressure.

The second set developed into a much tighter affair, with both sides finding goals difficult to come by. Malta remained in contention throughout, but Russia eventually edged the set 2-1 to move 2-0 ahead.

Malta needed to win the third set to keep the match alive and produced another competitive performance. However, Russia again prevailed by the narrowest of margins, winning 3-2 to secure an unassailable 3-0 advantage.

With the match already decided, there was no need for a fourth set.

Despite the defeat, Malta were competitive in all three sets, with only three goals separating the two teams across the match.

Set scores: Russia-Malta 4-2, 2-1, 3-2.