The United States made it three wins from three by beating China ©FINA

United States made it three victories out of three at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Water Polo Intercontinental Tournament at the Gold Coast Aquatics Centre.

The Americans thrashed China 18-6 and sit top of the round-robin pool.

Johnny Hooper starred in the rout by helping himself to a double hat-trick in the Australian city, the host of next year's Commonwealth Games.

Alexander Obert and Marko Vavic scored hat-tricks with Hannes Daube bagging a brace.

Nolan McConnell, Alex Roelse, Maxwell Irving and Nicholas Carniglia also registered as China slipped to a second defeat in three.

Six countries are contesting the Intercontinental Tournament which offers four qualification berths for the FINA World League Super Final in Russia.

The top four following the round-robin will all progress.

Japan claimed their first victory of the tournament ©FINA
Japan claimed their first victory of the tournament ©FINA

Hosts Australia have also won all three of their matches but they sit behind the US as one of their successes came via a penalty shoot-out.

They today beat Kazakhstan 10-3 in front of their own supporters.

Japan claimed their first win of the tournament after beating winless New Zealand 18-6.

They have moved up to third in the table with four points, in front of China and Kazakhstan who both have three.

The US lead on eight with Australia on seven.

Competition will continue in Gold Coast tomorrow.

Serbia, Croatia and Italy have already come through European qualification to reach the Super Final, while Russia have been given an automatic berth as hosts.