In a repeat of the 2010 final, it was the Olympic champions who came out on top in a thrilling contest, winning 10-6.

The Russian town of Khanty-Mansiysk hosted the World Cup, the third to be won by the US after 1979 and 2010.

As well as the London 2012 Olympic title, they are also defending World League champions.

Australia's second place is their 10th medal in 16 World Cups, having won the title in 1984, 1995 and 2006.

World and European champions Spain earned their first World Cup medal after outscoring China, the 2010 World Cup bronze medallists, in a tight 7-5 affair.

In the playoff for fifth and sixth, Hungary edged hosts Russia 14-11, while South Africa secured seventh with an 11-6 win over Singapre.

Australia's Rowena Webster was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, with the US' Ashleigh Johnson the Best Goalkeeper.

Top scorer was Hungarian Rita Keszthelyi with 24 goals.

Australia, Spain, China and Hungary have now all qualified for the 2015 International Swimming Federation World Championships in the Russia city of Kazan.

Russia, the US and Italy had already qualified for the event.

Nine more teams will qualify through the continental championships - three from Europe, two from the Americas, two from Asia and one each from Oceania and Africa.