Russia have won three of the last four world championships

Russia's women beat Norway 29-24 in Paris to secure back-to-back world championship handball titles.

The Russians were always in control of the final and, though the Norwegians kept battling back into the contest, a late Russian flourish sealed the win.

Both Russia and Norway have now qualified for the women's handball event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Germany claimed bronze against Romania but must pin their Beijing hopes on a qualifying tournament in March 2008.