WOMEN'S WATER POLO WORLD LEAGUE FINAL:USA STING AUSSIES IN PENALTY SHOOT-OUT

WATER POLO, July 6: Australia has suffered an agonising loss to World Champions USA after a heart-stopping penalty shoot-out to determine the FINA Women's Water Polo World League super final in San Diego.

The Aussie Stingers trailed 4-2 at halftime and 5-4 at the final break, drawing level at the top of the fourth and even leading 7-6 with two minutes remaining.

But the Bronwen Knox led Australia conceded a late goal to go to extra time.

In the 10-shot shootout, which saw a tournament-high nine goals, Australia's seventh shooter, Jemma Dessauvagie, had her shot tipped out by USA goalkeeping MVP, Betsy Armstrong.

Knox and fellow centre forward Gemma Beadsworth were named on the World League tournament team.

It is the fifth time from seven finals that Beijing Olympic silver medallists US have won the coveted crown.

The World League winners in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009 - beat Australia by 12-11, after the two teams were tied at 7-7 at the end of regular time.

Penalties were also needed to determine the bronze medallists with Greece beating Russia 8-7 (5-5, at the end of the regular time).

Both teams have also been successful throughout the history of the World League, with Russia winning in 2008 and Greece finishing first in 2005.

Finally, China defeated Hungary 8-7 for the fifth and sixth place, while Olympic champion Netherlands was stronger (8-6) than 2009 World silver medallist Canada and got the seventh spot of this Super Final.

FINAL RANKING of the FINA Women's Water Polo World League 2010:

1.      United States
2.      Australia
3.      Greece
4.      Russia
5.      China
6.      Hungary
7.      Netherlands
8.      Canada

FINA Women's Water Polo World League medallists:

2004: 1. USA, 2. HUN, 3. ITA
2005: 1. GRE, 2. RUS, 3. AUS
2006: 1. USA, 2. ITA, 3. RUS
2007: 1. USA, 2. AUS, 3. GRE
2008: 1. RUS, 2. USA, 3. AUS
2009: 1. USA, 2. CAN, 3. AUS
2010: 1. USA, 2. AUS, 3. GRE