No world record for Hooker but pole vaulter clinches world gold

From David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Doha

 AUSTRALIA'S Steve Hooker wrapped up the world indoor pole vault crown in Doha with a world lead clearance to add to his Olympic and world titles.

TOO STRONG: Steve Hooker proved too good for the rest of the field in Doha but he was unsuccessful with his attempts at a world record (Getty Images)

Hooker arrived in Doha as one of the favourites but when world number one Renaud Lavillenie of France crashed out in qualifying, the Australia's already short odds were slashed.

And he did not disappoint with a clearance of 5.80m confirming his gold medal before signing off in style with clearances of 6.01m.

The Australian showman, nicknamed the Mail Man, on account on the fact that he supposedly always delivers, even had three attempts at a new world record of 6.16m but it was not be.

"It means a lot to win here after finishing third two years ago - my main goal was to get the win," said Hooker.

"I felt good in all my three jumps at 6.01m but I was tired going for the record at 6.16m.

"I wasn't really nervous, I just made some changes with my run-up. If I can continue like this,  I know I can come back in the future and break the world record.

"But it was exciting to break the championships record. It feels as good as I have ever jumped in my career.

"If I am in a competition when I am fresh without the massive qualification, then I believe the world record is possible."

Silver went to Malte Mohr of Germany, who was a full 31 centimetres short of Hooker's best effort while his compatriot Alexander Straub sealed bronze with a best clearance of 5.65m.

Great Britain's Steve Lewis, who battled through the pain barrier to book his place in the final, having injured his forearm in qualifying, finished equal sixth with a best clearance of 5.45m.

Chris Brown of the Bahamas clinched a shock 400m gold medal as American favourite Bershawn Jackson was bumped out of contention in Doha.

Ireland's double European indoor champion David Gillick found himself with work to do with 100m remaining and as he tried to force his way through he bumped Jackson out of his stride, enabling Brown to clinch gold.

Jackson and Gillick both cut forlorn figures as they crossed the line out of the medals as silver went to William Collazo of Cuba while Jamaal Torrance of the USA secured bronze.

Brown was the hot favourite in Doha but gold finally went to Brown in a season's best of 45.96m as the 30-year-old finally topped to podium having been forced to settle for silver at the previous two tournaments.

And in the men's 1500m final, gold went to Deresse Mekonnen of Ethiopia as the defending champion came home in 3:41.86 to clinch victory ahead of Iguider Abdalaati of Morocco and Haron Keitany of Kenya, who took silver and bronze respectively.

Live commentary from day two of the 2010 World Indoor Athletics Championships in Doha