Ice hockey-US win world championships as Janecke overtime goal beats Canada

CESKE BUDEJOVICE, Czech Republic, April 20 (Reuters) - An overtime goal from Tessa Janecke earned the United States a 4-3 win over reigning champions Canada to win gold at the Women's World Championship on Sunday as the latest chapter in their historic rivalry was decided in dramatic fashion.

The U.S. had taken a two-goal lead in the second period but Canada were quickly back on level terms, and after the United States went in front again in the third period, Sarah Fillier's goal sent the final to sudden-death overtime.

With less than three minutes remaining in the first period of overtime, Janecke got to the puck ahead of keeper Ann-Renee Desbiens to score from close range before skating away and throwing her stick in the air in celebration.

Earlier, Finland won their 15th bronze medal in the competition with a 4-3 overtime win over Czech Republic after the hosts had led 2-0 at the end of the first period.