WATER POLO: The Australian women's water polo team have claimed a slight psychological advantage over the United States, taking gold in a friendly tournament in Rio.

Less than nine months out from next year's Olympics in the Brazilian city, the Stingers - who won bronze at the 2012 London Games - defeated the reigning Olympic gold medallists 13-10 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday.

Australia trailed 9-8 with 20 seconds to go, however a late goal sent the final of the six-nation tournament into penalties.

Australia then managed to land each of their four penalties, while the US could only net once.

AAP