Australia's Taliqua Clancy and her ailing partner Mariafe Artacho del Solar have missed the medals at the beach volleyball world championships in Mexico, finishing fourth.
The Olympic silver medallists got off to a promising start in their third-place play-off against American pair Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth, winning the opening set 21-15.
The Australians were on track to wrap up the match in two sets before the USA duo stormed back to take the second 21-19.
Clancy and Artacho del Solar were unable to find their rhythm in the deciding set, which the USA took 15-8 to clinch the bronze medal.
Another American pair, Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes, won the world title, upsetting Brazil's defending champions Ana Patricia and Duda in straight sets, 21-16 24-22.
Clancy, who is eyeing a third Olympics in Paris next year, said it was a tough tournament with Artacho del Solar battling a bacterial infection.
"It feels a little bittersweet at the moment but I'm so incredibly proud of our team, especially Mariafe, because of all the challenges we've had this event," Clancy said.
"It's just amazing that we were still able to deliver such high-quality volleyball even though we weren't able to turn things our way this time.
"It's a really exciting step when you look forward to Paris next year."
The next beach volleyball world championships will be held in Adelaide in November 2025.
