The Australian Stingers women's water polo team have suffered a setback in their chase for the gold medal at the FINA World League finals in Tianjin, China, going down 9-12 to Russia in their final game of the round robin stage.

It is the second successive defeat for the Australians at the hands of Russia who beat the Stingers to ensure the gold medal in their home pool at the Kirishi Cup earlier this month. 

As was the case in that game the Russians jumped out to an early lead on Thursday night, that Australia could not reel in. It was 3-0 to the Russians after one quarter and despite trading goal for goal over the last three terms Australia were not able to make a dent in the Russians lead.

The result means the Australians finish second in their group after earlier wins over Spain and Canada, while Russia finished the group stage on top.

The Australians will play a resurgent Greece in their quarter-final on Friday night. The Greeks have found great form going down  10-11 in a thriller to the world number one, USA on Thursday night.

The Stingers have beaten Greece recently but will need to be on their game to secure the win and a guaranteed playofff for a medal.

The FINA World League is the year's biggest lead-in tournament to the FINA World Championships that will be held in Shanghai in July.

Water Polo Australia