Gold at last for Richards

Sanya Richards finally landed an individual global gold medal as she won the 400m at the World Championships in Berlin.

The American, who has regularly flopped in major championships in the past, dominated the race to win in a world-leading time of 49.00secs.

Great Britain's defending champion Christine Ohuruogu, whose preparations were hampered by injury, could finish only fifth, although she did set her best time of the year, 50.21.

Jamaica's Shericka Williams took silver in a personal best of 49.32, with Antonina Krivoshapka, of Russia, third in 49.71.

Ohuruogu said: "I'm not going to blame the hamstring, if it was giving me any problems I wouldn't have run today.

"It was a lack of race fitness but full credit to my coaches and my medical staff, they did really well to get me prepared and ready for this day. I did my best and it was a season's best so I can't complain.

"It was a good run (from Sanya), don't take anything away from that. It was a brilliant time and she probably wanted it more than the rest of us did. She did a good job.''

A delighted Richards said: "To come here and to win the race, it means the world to me. Finally, I have own a major title!

"The hard work has paid off. I felt very confident, I hit my marks in the rounds. Before, I had difficulties standing the pressure. But now I am a better athlete."