Saladino wins historic long jump gold for-Panama

OSAKA, Japan, Aug 30 (Reuters) Irving Saladino won the first world championship gold medal in Panama's history with a dramatic victory in the men's long jump today.

Saladino won with his final leap of 8.57 metres in Osaka to extend his winning streak to 16 competitions and his 23rd victory in his last 25.

Italy's European champion Andrew Howe had to settle for the silver after believing he had done enough to win with his final attempt of 8.47 just minutes earlier.

Olympic champion Dwight Phillips took bronze with a best effort of 8:30, the American falling short in his bid for a third successive world title.

Panama's only previous podium finishes at a major championships were Lloyd LaBeach's two bronze medals in the 100 and 200 metres at the 1948 Olympics in London.

REUTERS BJR VV1947