The United States have crushed Australia’s dreams of retaining its FINA World Cup women’s water polo crown by winning the final 6-3 in Christchurch.

In an incredible game, the world’s No.1 and world league champions USA suffocated the Aussie Stingers in the first half, winning the first two quarters 3-0.

It wasn’t until Nicola Zagame sparked the Stingers into action at the start of the third quarter that a glimmer of hope remained in the Aussie camp.

However, at 6-2 heading into the final quarter the writing was on the wall and Stingers head coach Greg McFadden was left lamenting what could have been.

'The Americans came out to do battle and ready to go to war. We were ready to go to bed,’ McFadden said.

'You have to question the mental toughness when you leak six goals in a half, especially in a final.'

'In the second half it was a long way but not out of reach. We finally decided to fight and play good water polo. We created plenty of opportunities to win the game.'

Gemma Beadsworth and goalkeeper Victoria Brown were two of the bright lights in the Stingers team through the six-day tournament with Beadsworth being named Most Valuable Player for her all-round play, as well as scoring probably the best goal of the tournament.

China earned its first international medal at the senior level with an 11-9 victory over European champion Russia after being 10-5 up at one stage in the bronze-medal play-off.

FINA World Cup Awards: Most Valuable Player: Gemma Beadsworth (AUS). Best Goalkeeper: Yang Jun (CHN). Highest goal-scorer: Gao Ao (CHN) 16. Tournament team: Beadsworth (AUS), Gao Ao, Yan Jun (CHN), Kami Craig (USA), Joelle Bekhazi (CAN), Agnes Valkai (HUN).Sofya Konukh (RUS).