Storl wins shot put gold

Storl threw a season's best 21.73 meters (71.29 feet) on Friday to retain his title and edge out American Ryan Whiting's 21.57 meter effort. Canada's Dylan Armstrong finished third with a 21.34 meter throw.

"It is a huge relief," said Storl after winning gold. "I am proud of myself."

Whiting, who was favored to win gold, led from the first round until Storl's fourth round throw proved to be the winner.

Judges side with Storl

The 23-year-old from Chemnitz initially celebrated after he thought he had won the title, only for his effort to be ruled foul.

But Storl, who grabbed silver at last summer's London Olympics, protested. After a long deliberation, in which the judges consulted a photographer's camera, his throw was declared legal and Storl was given the lead.

"If I see [that photographer] again I'll buy him a beer," said a happy Storl, who now has his second World Championship gold after his 2011 triumph.

Friday's result was an impressive improvement for Storl. Whiting, an indoor world champion, had thrown a full 80 centimeters further than him in the qualifying round.

"In the final everything started from zero," said Storl, who went into the medal round with an all-or-nothing attitude.

Veterans miss podium

London bronze medalist Reese Hoffa, 35, fell just short of a medal finish. The American had held onto third place until Armstrong overtook him in the second to last round.

Two-time Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski, 31, failed in his attempt to grab a first World Championship title, but did post a seasons-best 20.98 meters to finish sixth.

dr/rc (dpa, AFP, Reuters)