Previously ranked second, the Americans' gold-medal victory over China in Rio de Janeiro has helped lift them above their Asian rivals and into top spot.

The US ended China's 12-year domination of the Paralympic women's sitting volleyball competition with an emphatic victory in the gold medal match at the Riocentro - Pavilion 6 venue.

China had won every gold medal since sitting volleyball was introduced at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, but that streak was brought to a comprehensive end as the US powered to a 25-12, 25-12, 25-18 win. 

It was sweet revenge for the Americans who had lost to China in the finals at both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The Americans began the year in third and earlier surpassed Ukraine before overhauling the Chinese.

China remain in second while Brazil have risen one spot to third following their bronze medal on home soil.

Ukraine, who lost to Brazil in the bronze medal match, are in fourth, while The Netherlands complete the top five.

In the men's rankings, there are significant changes.

Iran’s victory over defending Paralympic champions Bosnia and Herzegovina at Rio 2016 has seen them rise to the top of the standings.

Iran secured their sixth Paralympic Games sitting volleyball gold medal with an emotional four-set victory which they dedicated to team-mate Bahman Golbarnezhad, tragically killed following a crash in a cycling event during the Games.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, the reigning world champions, have now plummeted from first to fourth while Egypt have risen one spot to number three after edging Brazil for Paralympic bronze.

Despite failing to win a Paralympic medal, Brazil remain in second while European silver medallists Germany round off the top five.