Hosts Australia claimed a penalty shoot-out victory over Japan today to make it two wins out of two at the FINA Men's Intercontinental Water Polo Tournament ©FINA

Hosts Australia claimed a penalty shoot-out victory over Japan today to make it two wins out of two at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Men's Intercontinental Water Polo Tournament.

Japan won the final quarter 5-1 to force a 9-9 draw, but they ultimately fell to a 4-2 defeat in the shoot-out at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

Luke Pavillard netted to seal a 13-11 win for the home nation after Japan's Kohei Inaba had hit the post.

"Earlier we couldn't get the goals, then in the fourth we did," Japan goalkeeper Katsuyuki Tanamura said.

"Their defence was dangerous.

"We have to make more opportunities."

Australia sit second in the rankings with five points, one less than leaders the United States who maintained their unbeaten record today with a 15-10 triumph over Kazakhstan.

China overcame New Zealand 9-7 today ©FINA
China overcame New Zealand 9-7 today ©FINA

China are tied for third spot with Kazakhstan on three points after overcoming New Zealand 9-7 in a tight encounter.

The Intercontinental Tournament offers four qualification berths for the FINA World League Super Final in Russia.

The top four teams in the round-robin will book their passage through.

Competition in the Gold Coast, the host of next year's Commonwealth Games, is due to continue tomorrow.

The US go up against China, while New Zealand face Japan and Australia meet Kazakhstan.

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.