The Silver Ferns failed to get the netball World Championship monkey off their backs last night in Singapore after being beaten 58-57 in extra time in a thrilling final by arch-rivals and defending champions Australia.
In another chapter between the game's greatest rivals, the match went into over-time after the Diamonds clawed their way back to tie up the game 46-all at the end of regular time.
Young shooter Caitlin Bassett was the hero for the Australians, slotting a goal in the dying seconds to steal the win.
The teams went goal for goal in extra time, which is seven minutes each way, and were locked at 52-52 when they changed ends.
Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia had the chance to win but missed her goal and Bassett made no mistake down the other end.
It was sweet revenge for the Diamonds after losing the Commonwealth Games gold medal to the Silver Ferns last year in Delhi in double overtime.
The win continued Australia's dominance of the World Championships, the Diamonds have now won 10 titles compared to New Zealand's four, after taking the title off the Silver Ferns in 2007.
