Team Russia beat Spain 9-7 in the gold-medal final of the third FINA World Women’s Youth Water Polo Championships at the Sir Owen Glenn National Aquatic Centre in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday December 18.
In the bronze-medal match, Italy defeated Netherlands 14-13 in sudden-death penalty shootout after the match was tied at 7-7. Both teams missed a shot in the regular time and both scored their first two attempts in sudden death before Netherlands had its shot blocked and Italy converted.
The Most Valuable Player award went to Alena Serzhantova (RUS), while the Highest Goal-Scorer (26) was awarded to Alejandra Aznar (ESP).
Final ranking
1. Russia, 2. Spain, 3. Italy, 4. Netherlands, 5. United States of America, 6. Greece, 7. China, 8. Hungary, 9.Australia, 10.New Zealand, 11.Canada, 12.Germany, 13.Japan, 14.South Africa, 15.Mexico
Read detailed games reports here
The previous edition was held in Madrid (ESP) in 2014. USA was crowned World champion after defeating Canada in a tight 5-4.