Reigning Olympic champion Hungary ended Spain's winning streak in the men's water polo on Thursday with a 8-5 victory at the Beijing Olympics.

Spain had a 3-2 advantage at the quarter break but by half-time Hungary had taken the lead. Despite a scoreless third period, Hungary were in control and scored two goals to finish the game in 8-5.

"We came out sleepy. Spain is a very fast team and they came ready to play. We woke up after the first quarter and that was it," Hungary's driver, Tamas Kasas, said on losing the first quarter 3-2.

Spain beat Canada and Australia in the previous games.

Also on Thursday, Italy held off China 19-7. Serbia defeated the Unites States 4-2. Croatia took on Germany 13-5. Montenegro halted Greece 10-6. Australia beat Canada 8-5.

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2008)