Belgium and the Dutch have met in every IKF final since the inaugural World Championship in 1978 and they continued their tradition today at the University of KwaZulu Natal University’s Westville Campus.

The Dutch had won nine of the previous 10 encounters - the only aberration coming in Belgium in 1991 - and they reaffirmed their dominance today with a 31-18 victory.

They were in control throughout, never trailing at any point and leading 20-10 at half-time before extending their advantage after the break.

Scoring was fairly evenly spread through the Dutch side.

Celeste Split top-scored with seven goals while Laurens Leeuwenhoek got on the score sheet five times.

Earlier, Chinese Taipei claimed third place as they overcame neighbours China 25-16.

Chinese Taipei, ranked second in the world, laid down a marker as korfball's emerging force, while China's Jing Zhao scored four to take her total in South Africa to 39, making her the tournament's top scorer.

In the other playoff matches, Germany claimed fifth place by beating debutants Suriname 16-8 in a low-scoring match.

Cxech Republic finish seventh with a narrow 17-16 victory over Portugal and Hong Kong come 17th after beating New Zealand 21-19 in the day's opening fixture.