Defending champions Russia thrashed Kazakhstan to book their place in the quarter-finals ©FINA

Defending champions Russia thrashed Kazakhstan to book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Women's Youth Water Polo Championships in Belgrade.

Russia's defeat to The Netherlands in their final Group D encounter meant they were forced to play-off for a spot in the quarter-finals.

But they shrugged off the loss in style, recording a thumping 12-1 win over their Kazakh opponents at the Milan Gale Muskatirovic Sports Centre to set up a meeting with Greece in the last eight.

Hosts Hungary are also through to the quarter-finals following a 15-8 victory against New Zealand in a high-scoring affair.

Hungary will play Group A winners Spain for a place in the last four.

Australia were among the other teams to secure a place in the quarter-finals today ©FINA
Australia were among the other teams to secure a place in the quarter-finals today ©FINA

Australia, who finished second to Greece in Group B by one goal following a 9-9 draw in their last preliminary round match, defeated Canada 6-3.

They will next face the Dutch team which pipped the defending champions to top spot in Group D.

Italy sealed their quarter-final berth in style, dispatching Brazil 25-4 in their play-off match.

The United States await for the Italian side in the last eight.

All four quarter-finals are scheduled to take place tomorrow.