Australia were crowned women's world basketball champions for the first time overnight, with Penny Taylor's 28 points leading the Opals to a 91-74 victory over Russia in the gold medal match in Sao Paulo.

Lauren Jackson chipped in with 16 points and Kristi Harrower 15 for Australia, who led at every change.

Taylor was named the tournament's most valuable player and Harrower says it is well deserved.

"She had an absolutely sensational tournament," she said.

"She just played the way I've never seen her play and you know Lauren Jackson get so much attention from other teams, and so does Penny and she just finds a way to score for us."

Harrower said the victory was still to sink in.

"I'm sure once we get back into Australia and see the media and all the media attention we'll probably get, I think that's when it will probably sink in, when you are with your family and friends," she said.

"We will enjoy this moment right now. We have a few supporters and family here, so we'll celebrate with them tonight and I'm sure a few girls will be hung-over on the plane on the way home tomorrow."

Harrower said she was already looking ahead to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

"I might only have another three years left in me at the top level and I think a gold medal at an Olympic Games would be the absolute icing on the cake and a good way for me to go out and retire," she said.

The United States took the bronze medal after outclassing hosts Brazil 99-59.

(Reuters September 25, 2006)