Hungary beat U.S. to win men's gold in water polo

By Martin Petty

BEIJING (Reuters) - Water polo powerhouse Hungary battled to a thrilling 14-10 victory over the United States on Sunday to win their third successive Olympic gold medal.

In an entertaining match from start to finish, Hungary had their sternest test in years against a U.S. team searching for a fairytale end to their best Olympics in two decades.

"It was the most difficult gold medal for us, we're really happy," Hungary coach Denes Kemeny told reporters.

"This was more satisfying than the other two gold medals. Millions of Hungarians saw this. This is an amazing achievement.

"Even in difficulty, we believed we could come out of it. We defended better, that was the key, but we were very worried."

Playing in a pressure-cooker atmosphere at the Yingdong Natatorium, the two teams were almost inseparable until the final quarter.

Tied at 9-9 at the end of the first half, Hungary came out fighting in the third period and edged ahead through Tamas Molnar.

The United States spurned a string of opportunities, with shots cannoning against the woodwork and going wide of target.