Defending Olympic champion Hungary beat Australia 13-12  Saturday in the men's water polo, keeping its winning streak at the Beijing Games.

Hungary led 9-5 at half-time and 11-6 two minutes into the third period before Australia rallied to close the gap to 12-11 with less than four minutes remaining.

Australia's Richie Campbell had the chance to level it several seconds from full time but his shot creased the right upright and though three-quarters of the ball crossed the line, Hungarian goalkeeper Zoltan Szecis was able to swat it away.

"It could have been easier for us. We missed a lot of opportunities in attack and in defence," Hungary's head coach Denes Kemeny said. "It was difficult where we are now, but we have to continue this way in order to stay at top."

On Monday, Hungary will fight against Canada

Also on Saturday, Germany beat Italy 8-7. Greece held off Canada 13-7. The United States beat Crotia 7-5 and Spain won over Montenegro 12-6.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2008)