Germany's Molitor beats China's Lyu with last throw for women's javelin gold (updated)

Germany's Kathrina Molitor won the world women's javelin gold medal on her last attempt at the world athletics championships in Beijing on Sunday.

As Chinese Lyu Huihui had a chance of landing the gold with a new Asian record on her fifth try, Molitor hurtled the javelin to 67.69 meters to nail the title.

The 31-year-old German relegated Lyu, who had led the way after her stunning throw of 66.13m, to the silver medal position, disappointing a noisy crowd at the Bird's Nest Stadium.

The German's final throw was also her personal best and season best.

South Africa's Sunette Viljoen, who had owned the previous best throw of the year, won a second world championship bronze with 65.79m after her 2011 podium finish.

"Perfect! My first international medal," said Molitor, who had never previously won a medal at a major championships.

"I cannot really believe this. After my fifth throw I thought maybe I can still improve a little. I did it! This is first class feeling now," added the German.

As for Lyu, who almost won China's second gold at the championships on home soil, had nothing to regret.

Lyu said: "I'm very excited about this silver medal. I was able to come back and to come back strong. We had set a goal to do well here. I am happy with my result and I performed to my best. The audience here gave me wonderful support, they shouted 'Go, go' for me and this helped me a lot." Endi