Captain Raisa Musina led Russia to their first World Cup since 2010 with a dominating double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds, shooting 50 per cent from the field and knocking down seven of eight free throws at the Palacio de los Deportes Virgilio Travieso Soto.

The small forward also posted five assists, two blocks and a steal.

Russia took an early first quarter lead as they controlled the boards with 18 rebounds in the first 12 minutes.

Puerto Rico trailed 42-33 by the end of the half, leaving a faint glimpse of hope that an early run in the third quarter could lead to a quick turnaround.

Shooting guard Jazmon Gwathmey seemed Puerto Rico’s best chance for a resurgence.

Russia, though, put the game out of sight by outscoring Puerto Rico 31-12 and extending their lead to 73-45 at the start of the fourth quarter.

In the end, Gwathmey’s 27 points, on 12 of 18 shooting from the field, and nine rebounds barely dented their opponent’s armour.

"The girls stuck to the game plan all 40 minutes," Alexander Kovalev, Russia’s coach, said.

"Everything that happened on the court went fine."

Russia’s Nina Glonti filled the stat sheet with 18 points on seven of nine field goals and three of four three-pointers, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Musina emphasised that Russia’s success came from their team fluidity, as displayed by 35 team assists to their 37 made field goals.

"First, I want to say that I'm proud of my team," said Musina.

"I think today, we played really like a team.

"We will continue to do a good job and I hope everybody will see a different team in Sydney.

"We will do everything better."

Russia’s qualification means they will have another chance to win the World Cup for the first time since the break-up of the Soviet Union. 

The Soviet Union won the tournament six times, including five victories between 1959 and 1975. 

The last time they won the event was in 1983. 

Since Russia were competing as an independent country, they have finished runners-up on three occasions, in 1998, 2002 and 2006. 

They progress to the World Cup in Sydney alongside Belgium and the United States from qualifying tournaments in Washington D.C., and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada and Japan in Osaka.

Group A in Belgrade saw Australia, Serbia and South Korea qualify, while China, France and Nigeria ensured their participation from Group B, which also took place in the Serbian capital.

Despite taking part in the event in Belgrade, Australia automatically qualified for hosting the tournament for the second time.

The US received the same privilege after being crowned Olympic champions in Tokyo 2020. 

The draw for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is due to take place on March 3.

The 19th edition of tournament is scheduled to be played between September 22 and October 1.