KATHMANDU, August 12: The United States snatched top spot in the 2024 Olympics from the jaws of China as their women's basketball team earned a thrilling victory over hosts France to win the final gold on offer in Paris.

According to the BBC, the fearsome US team were in danger of one of the all-time Olympic upsets but won 67-66 to take gold as the US moved level with China's tally of 40 golds in the medal table.

However, with the American team securing 44 silver medals compared to China's 27, and a total of 126 medals against China's 91, they lead the medal table for the fourth consecutive time.

Japan finished third with 20 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze medals, according to media reports.

In a repeat match-up of Saturday's men's final that was won by the star-studded US at France's expense, Team USA trailed 53-51 with five minutes to play, BBC added.

“The occasion provided one last taste of the atmosphere of wild home support in the French capital. LeBron James, the NBA superstar and men's gold medallist for the US, was courtside, while French President Emmanuel Macron was in the stands in support of the hosts,” reports the BBC.

The US edged back in front and in a dramatic finale, with the lead at 67-64, Gabby Williams sank a buzzer-beater for France, but it was judged to have come from inches inside the three-point line and that meant the USA won by a point, BBC added. - Agencies