Wang Jianan leaps to long jump glory in Oregon
Wang Jianan of China produced a last-round leap of 8.36 metres to snatch World Championships long jump gold on Saturday after Tentoglou Miltiadis of Greece looked to be cruising to victory. Wang had managed a best of only 8.03m in his first five attempts and was out of the medals but soared clear to secure that nation's first gold medal of the championshps, and first ever in the long jump. Miltiadis was on course to complete the full house of major titles after previously winning the Olympics, the indoor world title and the European indoor and outdoor titles. His fifth-round jump of 8.32m looked to be good enough for gold and his second, third and fourth-best leaps of 8.30m, 8.29m and 8.24m were all better than anyone else in the field could manage until Wang's intervention. Instead he had to settle for silver, with Switzerland's Simon Ehammer, who came to Eugene with a world lead 8.45m to his name after temporarily switching from decathlon, taking bronze with 8.16m. However China's Gong Lijiao was denied a third successive gold medal in the women's shot put, with one throw was all it took for Chase Ealey to make history as she won the United States' first title in the event. The 27-year-old let out a roar as she threw 20.49 metres with her opening attempt, a mark that proved untouchable through six rounds, though Olympic champion Gong came close with her fifth try, which fell just 10cm short. "I was just trying to set the tone but I felt like I could have thrown further if need be," Ealey told Reuters. "It was one of the most amazing feelings I've ever experienced in my life. I don't think I can think of a better moment." Jessica Schilder of the Netherlands produced a national record of 19.77m to clinch bronze. Gong said she expected more from herself in Eugene. "After the Tokyo Olympics I got away from the game for more than six months, but when I decided to start my preparation for this World Championships I knew that I took huge responsibility as (defending) champion," she said. "I'm not so satisfied with this silver medal."  (Reuters)