HOSTS Singapore were knocked out by China on Saturday in the quarter-finals of both the boys' and girls' sections of the 3rd Asian Youth Water Polo Championships.

In the morning at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex, the Under-17 boys lost 7-14 to the Asian powerhouses, being overwhelmed in the middle two quarters after the score had been tied 3-3 at the end of the first period.

In the afternoon, the Under-17 girls were dispatched easily 27-5, with goalkeeper Joanna Chue having a torrid time - saving just two of China's 29 shots.

The local boys, who finished sixth the last time round, play their 5th-8th place classification match on Sunday at 10.20am, most likely against Indonesia, who were due to face continental giants Iran later on Saturday in the 10-team competition.

The girls meet Sri Lanka for 6th place at 2.30pm, with both teams trying to avoid the wooden spoon in the seven-team competition.

The tournament ends on Monday, with the top three boys' and girls' sides qualifying for the world youth championships next year.

Singapore will also host the 3rd Asian Water Polo Cup, for seniors, from Oct 1-5.