WATER POLO: Australia has completed a clean sweep of their six games in the women’s FINA World League Asia / Oceania qualifying tournament in Auckland with a 15-7 victory over New Zealand.

The win ensured the Aussie Stingers maintained their unbeaten start to 2013 with seven wins in as many matches over China, Japan and the Kiwis and earnt them a berth in the FINA World League finals that begin in Beijing on June 1.

The New Zealanders came out strongly in the game’s first quarter, putting in one of their best efforts of the week to trail world number three Australia 5-4 at the first break before the Stingers took control.

Australian co-captain Rowie Webster was later named player of the tournament.

Earlier in the tournament a 17-7 victory over China was a particularly good indicator of the Stinger's fine form. Just last August the two teams faced off in a thrilling quarterfinal at the London 2012 Olympic Games. In what was one of the most memorable matches of the Olympic water polo tournament, Australia defeated China 20-18 in a penalty shootout after the scores were locked at 14-all at full time and 16-all at the end of extra time. The Australians went on to win bronze.

Australia finished second at the 2012 World League Super Final to eventual Olympic gold medallists the USA.

The Stingers will head into camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra next Wednesday before flying out to China for the World League finals on May 29.

Water Polo Australia and Olympics.com.au