Russia beat Denmark to win World Championship gold

Russia's under 18 squad has climbed the throne of women's youth handball, beating Denmark 30:22 (15:13) in the Youth World Championship Final in Slovakia on Sunday.

It was also some sort of sweet revenge for the Russian side who had lost the final of the Women's 17 EHF EURO 2015 last year 25:24 to Denmark.

Bronze was won by Korea who beat Norway 32:30 (16:17) in the match for third place.

Denmark had the better start to the final as they led 10:7 after 16 minutes of play. However, Russia fought back strongly and a 7:1 series within the next 10 minutes turned the match in their favour.

At half-time Russia led 15:13 and they re-entered the court, looking determined to tighten their grip around the gold medal that was beckoning.

In the first eight minutes of the second half, they scored four times, while Denmark netted only once (19:14).

Denmark's Cecilie Thomsen tried to keep her team in the game with two consecutive goals, but Russia responded by scoring five unanswered goals themselves to secure a comfortable 24:16 lead with 14 minutes left to play.

Afterwards the Danish resistance was broken and Russia cruised to victory and gold at the Youth World Championship 2016.

All-stars named

The two finalists also dominated the tournament's All-star team.

From Russia, right back Antonina Skorobogatchenko and right wing Mariia Dudina were nominated. Furthermore, Karina Sabirova was named Most Valuable Player.

From Denmark, goalkeeper Laerke Sofie Sorensen, left wing Emma Cecilie Uhrskov Friis and line player Ida Marie Moesgaard Dahl made it into the All-star team.

Left back Jinmi Song and Ayeong Gim (both Korea) completed the team. Norway's Guro Nestaker was named best defender, Hungary's Bernadett Hornyak (67 goals) became the top scorer.