Stingers see off Russia at world champs

The Australian Stingers have beaten Russia 8-5 in the world women's water polo championships in Budapest.

Zoe Arancini vies for the ball

Zoe Arancini looks for an opening during the Australian women's water polo team's win over Russia. (AAP)

The Australian women's water polo side have moved to the top of their group at the world championships after beating Russia 8-5 in Hungary.

The Stingers had five goal-scorers in Budapest on Tuesday, with Keesja Gofers, Hannah Buckling and captain Rowie Webster each claiming doubles.

Australia started the slower against world No.5 Russia, trailing 2-1 in the first quarter before clawing back to 3-3 at halftime.

The Stingers, ranked fourth in the world, claimed a two-goal advantage via Webster's third-quarter double.

While Russia recovered to 6-5 down in the final quarter, Australia finished strongly with two decisive late goals.

"We had good patience in our six on six attack and from there our attack came from our defence as well," Buckling said.

"It was a tough slog. But we held in there, we were patient and we didn't make silly makes to allow us to come away with the win."

The result follows the Stingers' 16-4 win over Kazakhstan on Sunday.

They play their final group D-stage match against Greece on Friday.

Meanwhile, the United States defeated Spain 12-8 to stay unbeaten in their world title defence, while New Zealand beat South Africa 8-6.

Canada scored in the final second to edge China 9-8, while the Netherlands defeated Japan 20-8 and Hungary routed France 24-5.

Greece defeated Kazakhstan 19-5 in the other group game.


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Source: AAP



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