German Dietzsch retains title for third discus gold

OSAKA, Japan, Aug 29 (Reuters) Germany's Franka Dietzsch won her third world discus gold medal when she retained her title at her ninth championships today.

As in her 1999 and 2005 triumphs, the 39-year-old's first attempt was good enough to take the title and none of her rivals was able to get close to the 66.61 metres she opened with.

The bank clerk's victory was assured before her final attempt which she promptly clattered into the netting around the circle before bowing to all four sides of the Nagai Stadium.

Russian Darya Pishchalnikova grabbed silver with a personal best of 65.78m on her penultimate throw, while Cuban Yarelis Barrios's opening 63.90m was also her career best and enough for bronze.

REUTERS TB RAI2003