Australia finally stands alone at the summit of women's basketball after the Opals crushed Russia 91-74 in the final of the world championship in Brazil.

The Opals have placed in the top three nations at every Olympic Games and world championships since 1996, but this is the first time any senior Australian side has laid its hands on a gold medal at the highest level.

Penny Taylor was again the star of the show, finishing with 28 points to earn tournament MVP honours ahead of teammate Lauren Jackson and Russian Maria Stepanova, who was a distant third in voting.

Taylor's effort was even more impressive considering she carried a groin injury over the second half of the tournament, but she was the glue that held the Opals together during their history-making run.

Australia was the only team to make it through the entire tournament undefeated, an extremely deserving recipient of the title of world champion.

The United States had won gold medals at all major tournaments since the Atlanta Olympics, when Australia made its breakthrough with a bronze medal.

But America's semi-final defeat to Russia, coupled with Australia's improved form in every outing during the tournament, allowed a new world order to emerge.

From the opening tip-off the Australians were clearly nervous in front of the biggest crowd for any game not involving the host nation, struggling for rhythm as Russia skipped out to an early 9-2 lead.

A time-out from coach Jan Stirling settled the Opals, however, and they immediately embarked on an 11-2 run for a 13-11 lead as the battle unfolded.

Stirling rotated her players throughout the quarter and the Australians had found their groove, taking a 19-15 lead into the first break before extending it to 24-15 early in the second term.

The Opals then began to really assert some authority.

Some outstanding defence led to plenty of offensive opportunities and an 11-0 run gave Australia a 17-point edge with just over four minutes left until the main break.

Russia has earned its reputation as one of the sport's great nations and managed to fight its way back into the contest.

Stepanova, a nightmare of a match-up courtesy of her athleticism and 202cm frame, led the way as the Russians produced a 15-6 spurt to close the margin to 43-35 at halftime.

But Taylor took over in the second half, producing consecutive steals and lay-ups midway through the third term as the Opals grabbed a championship-winning 21-point lead.

From there it was a procession as the Australians created a unique place in the nation's sporting history.

In the earlier game the United States routed Brazil 99-59 to claim the bronze medal.

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