It was a battle of the North American rivals that brought the curtain down on the Championships in the Spanish capital Madrid, and the contest did not disappoint.

But it was the US who narrowly came out on top, edging Canada 5-4 to win gold and banish the disappointment of two years ago.

They came within a whisker of a medal at the inaugural Championships in Perth, Australia -  a title that Greece won ahead of Hungary and Russia.

And the 2012 finalists were involved in a classic rematch in Madrid, albeit for the bronze.

This time it was Hungary who edged Greece, winning 11-10 after penalties.

Italy beat The Netherlands 11-8 to take fifth place, while hosts Spain crushed China 7-1 for seventh.

Russia, the 2012 bronze medallists, were ninth in the 16-team competition for players aged 18 and under.

The 2016 Championships are due to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from December 12 to 18.