Competing at the Changshu Sports Centre, the two teams, who are Beijing 2008 silver and bronze medal winners respectively, played out a tense contest.

Ultimately though, it was the Americans who won, continuing their dominance of the World League event.

Having led 2-1 after the first period, the US then fell behind 4-3 to the Australians at half time.

In the third period, the US drew the game level at 4-4, and a strong showing in the final quarter enabled them to seal a 6-4 win.

Maggie Steffens and Annika Dries netted two each for the US, with Brenda Villa (pictured above, left) and Kami Craig also on target.

"We played a great second half," said US head coach Adam Krikorian.

"Defensively we played very well all tournament, but we certainly understand that this means nothing when we get to the Olympic Games."

The win also allowed the US to avenge the defeats suffered to the Australians in both the London 2012 test event at the Olympic Park and in January's Pan Pacs final.

The US have now won the title seven out of the nine times the event has run, with only Greece and Russia breaking their run.

For Australia, their silver was the third time they had been runners up at the event.

Greece beat hosts China 8-7 to take the bronze medal, whilst Russia crushed Germany 18-4 in the fifth/sixth place game.

Italy finished last after being beaten 12-8 by Canada.

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