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Vlasic wins the battle of the Beauties

Last updated on: August 21, 2009 
Blanka Vlasic

Croatia's Blanka Vlasic went some way to making up for her Olympic disappointment when she retained the women's high jump title with a leap of 2.04 metres.

"I was expecting it to go much higher, but I was concentrating on my own heights and on staying calm," Beijing Olympics silver medallist Vasis said.

"2.04m means nothing to me, I would have been happy with a new personal best."

It was not smooth sailing for Vlasic during the championships after she suffered a freak head injury during the qualifying rounds and had to be given six stitches.

"These championships are perfect and I was ready to give everything I had to win," she said.

I didn't expect a medal: Chicherova

Last updated on: August 21, 2009 
Anna Chicherova

Russia's Anna Chicherova took the silver with 2.02 metres, her personal best for the season.

"This second world silver is very important to me. I had to be very patient to come back from surgery. I didn't expect a medal and actually nobody thought about me either," said Chicherova, winner of the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics last year.

Local favourite Friedrich takes bronze

Last updated on: August 21, 2009 
Ariane Friedrich

European indoor champion and local favourite Ariane Friedrich could only manage bronze after she narrowly failed clearing 2.06 metres.

"It was unbelievable, I had so much pressure. I am so proud to have won this medal. It means everything to me and I will celebrate it," the German said.

"It was a fantastic competition. I missed the 2.06m only by a hair's breadth," Friedrich added.

Source: REUTERS
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