The Fenerbache Arena was the setting for the final day of action at the Championship, where Australia also upset hosts Turkey by powering to a 74-44 win in the bronze medal match.

But it was the US who celebrated the loudest and longest into the night after securing a fourth world crown in five outings in Istanbul.

If European champions Spain had any designs on causing an upset, then much would depend on the form of Alba Torrens, who bagged 28 points in their semi-final win over Turkey yesterday.

But Torrens was kept scoreless for the entire first half as the US defence kicked into gear, while at the other end they found their range right from the off to build an 11-point lead after the first quarter.

Maya Moore was in fine form for the Americans and her 16-point haul had established a 48-29 lead for the US going in at the halftime break.

A mini Spanish revival looked on the cards as Torrens finally came to life to bag 10 points in the third period, but with marquee forward Sancho Lyttle in foul trouble, Spain's comeback never really took-off.

Moore continued to pull the strings for the US and with Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus and Tina Charles all joining her with double-digit scoring tallies; they ran out 77-64 winners.

A jubilant US head coach Geno Auriemma said afterwards: "It is very difficult to win this Championship.

"There are some great teams and they are getting better all the time.

"Although just because we are expected to win, it doesn't make it any easier.

"My guys make a great sacrifice to play for their country and I couldn't be more proud."

Maya Moore proved a thorn in the Spanish side as she led the United States to a fourth world title in five outings in Istanbul ©Getty Images



After reaching their first-ever World Championship final, Spanish coach Lucas Mondelo admitted that nerves contributed to his side's slow start in the decider.

"We started a little nervous with it being our first final," he said.

"We made mistakes on defence and the USA has a team with great quality that punishes every error."

Australia, the 2006 champions, left Turkey with bronze after totalling overpowering the hosts in their match.

It was one-way traffic from tip-off as the Aussies scored the first 17 points of the game and despite vociferous support from the stands, the hosts looked second-best all the way through.

Marianna Tolo starred for Australia with a game-high 21 points as they turned a 32-12 halftime lead into a 74-44 win at the final buzzer.

Marianna Tolo bagged 21 points as Australia overpowered Turkey for bronze at the Fenerbache Arena ©Getty Images



"It was a dream start and our early defensive work really killed the impact of the crowd," said Tolo.

"We managed to lock Turkey down for so long at the beginning of the game and that was exactly what we needed, since we knew what a big factor the crowd might be."

Canada overcame China 61-53 to claim fifth place overall, while France defeated Serbia 88-74 to claim seventh in the day's early classification games.

American Moore was awarded the Most Valuable Player accolade and she was joined on the tournament's All-Star team by compatriot Brittney Griner, Spanish pair Torrens and Lyttle and Australia's Penny Taylor.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
October 2014: Spain to take on US in World Championships final after Torrens inspires win against hosts Turkey
October 2014: Turkey cling on against Serbia to claim semi-final berth at Basketball World Championship for Women
October 2014: Stunning late comeback sees China through to last-eight at Basketball World Championship for Women
September 2014: Spain and Australia secure quarter-final berths at Basketball World Championship for Women
September 2014: Hosts Turkey secure last-eight spot at Basketball World Championship for Women