The Canadians knew a win would confirm their progression but they did it the hard way, emerging from a tight contest on the right side of a 2-1 scoreline.

The result guaranteed they would get the chance to end Japan’s reign of dominance at the event, with the Asian side having won the previous four titles.

It ensured Canada would compete for the gold medal for the first time since the 2008 World Cup in Matsuyama, where they lost 11-3 to hosts Japan.

"It feels great to be back in the gold medal game," Canada’s Amanda Asay, one of her nation’s star performers in the victory over Chinese Taipei, said.

"It’s been a long time and it’s not every day that you get to play for a World Championship."

On the final day of the super round, Japan stretched their remarkable winning streak at the tournament to 20 matches as they maintained their unbeaten run in South Korea by beating the hosts 10-0.

The Japanese side have not lost at the competition since they were beaten 5-2 by the United States in an opening round contest in Edmonton in 2012.

Their success over South Korea, who have suffered defeat in each of their five super round contests and were consigned to the bottom of the standings, was never in doubt though the margin of victory was not as emphatic as their other matches in the competition.

Japan will be the strong favourites for gold when they clash with Canada tomorrow.

Chinese Taipei will have the opportunity to end the event on a positive note when they take on Venezuela in the bronze medal game.

The South American outfit completed their super round campaign with a 7-4 triumph over Australia to secure third place in the super round rankings.

In the consolation round, the United States made it five wins out of five by hammering India 10-0, while Cuba ousted Hong Kong 2-1 and debutantes Pakistan were outplayed during their 14-4 loss to The Netherlands.