PARIS, France - World champions Australia claimed wheelchair rugby bronze at the Paralympics on Monday by beating defending gold medallists Britain 50-48 in Paris.
Two-time former winners Australia lost out on the chance to fight for gold after semi-final defeat by Japan on Sunday.
In a tight contest with the British, the Australians claimed victory to go one better than their fourth-place finish in Tokyo three years ago.
"It was nice to win convincingly in the final minute," Australia captain Chris Bond told reporters.
"We missed out on the gold medal match, which I think we were good enough to be in.
"We used that pain to fuel us today."
Britain had started their title defence with victory over Australia in their opening group match on Thursday.
"In the end there were too many errors really in the game," Britain's Gavin Walker said.
"We go into another rebuilding process, another four years ahead of us and looking towards LA now."
Two-time bronze medallists Japan face the USA, who won three of the sport's first Paralympic gold medals in 1996, 2000 and 2004, later on Monday in the final. - AFP