AUSTRALIA has captured a 10th world netball crown with a thrilling 58-57 come-from behind victory in overtime against New Zealand in Singapore.
Rivals from their first match-up back in 1938, the Diamonds defeated the Silver Ferns for the 61st time as they took possession of the most prized piece of silverware in their game.
The tears flowed as the Diamonds weathered a defensive storm from New Zealand to defend their world crown.
It was Australia's 61st victory in 103 encounters with the Silver Ferns and one of their finest moments with the Diamonds coming from six goals down to claim their victory in overtime.
Again the brilliant shooting of youngster Caitlin Bassett turned the tide for Australia with the 23-year-old also shooting the winning goal in her first world championship final.
"Every time we play each other its history writing netball between the Ferns and Australia," coach Norma Plummer said.
"Its just fantastic competition and its what you want to coach to be honest, regardless of whether you win or lose.
"Theres a lot of elation but there can be so heartaches but youve got to take those as they come."
Australia advanced into the final with a 82-46 humiliation of Jamaica while New Zealand booked their berth with a closer 49-34 victory over England.
Australia and New Zealand will play a rematch of the final in Perth on October 23 with two others Tests planned for Adelaide (October 26) and Melbourne (October 30).
Australia will also host England prior to the series in Newcastle (October 9), Canberra (October 12) and Sydney (October 16).
In an earlier game, England retained its ranking of world No.3 with a clinical performance against a disapointing Jamaica.
The woeful performance of ace shooter Romelda Aiken against Australia in the semi-finals cost Jamaica a shot at the world title with the side losing yesterday's bronze-medal decider 70-49. Read More
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