Classy Heffernan gives Irish rare world title

Moscow: Robert Heffernan won the men`s 50 kilometres walk world title today to give Ireland only their third-ever gold at the World Athletics Championships.

The 35-year-old -- fourth in the event at last year`s Olympics -- posted the fastest time of the year of 3hr 37min 56sec, with Russia`s Mikhail Ryzhov in second (3hr 38:58). Australia`s two-time Olympic silver medalist Jared Tallent took the bronze (3hr 40:03). Heffernan`s gold is the first world title for the Irish since Sonia O`Sullivan`s victory in the 5000 metres in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1995. It also came 30 years to the day since Eamonn Coghlan won Ireland`s first worlds gold in the 5000 metres, in Helsinki. "That is brilliant," Heffernan said, whose wife was in the stadium. "The final 10km of the race were as usual like a crucifixion. "This victory is very important for me and for Ireland. I was fourth last year in London and this year I was not injured, I was in even better condition and was well prepared for this race." Ivan Noskov and Ryzhov went out ahead together as they left the stadium with enigmatic Frenchman Yohann Diniz and Tallent chasing them. The Russian duo -- who led the home challenge as Olympic and world champion Sergey Kirdyapkin did not start because of injury -- held a three-second lead over Tallent while Diniz was 10sec adrift at the 5km mark. Tallent joined the Russians and they opened a gap of 20sec over Diniz, who was reeled in by a large group led by Heffernan. Noskov and Ryzhov upped the pace approaching the 20km mark, opening up a gap of about 100 metres on Tallent. The Russians held a 9sec lead over Tallent and Diniz, who had joined the Australian, as they passed through 20km while Heffernan led the chasing pack some 22sec off the pace. Diniz had the momentum as he left Tallent trailing and ate up the ground between himself and the Russians, joining them after 21km. While Diniz was flourishing, Tallent was suffering badly and the 28-year-old was swept up by Heffernan and Poland`s Grzegorz Sudol soon after being passed by the Frenchman. Heffernan and Sudol, the European silver medalist at the distance, then took up the pace at the 25km point but the Russians and Diniz were not to be droppped easily and hung in behind. Heffernan moved up a gear and his burst saw Diniz fall away, this time for good, but Ryzhov stuck to him like a limpet with Sudol and Noskov in touch. Ryzhov and Heffernan opened up a 4sec lead at the 35km point, but the real drama was behind as Diniz pulled up and flung his cap to the ground in disgust but with the tantrum over he resumed his race and finished 10th. Heffernan made his move to shake off Ryzhov with 10km remaining -- although he received a warning from a steward -- while Sudol and Noskov were 50sec adrift and beginning to struggle. Indeed they were both passed by a rejuvenated Tallent shortly afterwards while Heffernan seemingly looked set for gold as he opened a 12sec lead over Ryzhov with 6km remaining. The Russian had nothing in reserve and with the entrance to the stadium looming, Heffernan had extended his lead to 18sec. On entering the near-empty arena the Irishman punched the air with delight, pointed to his name on his vest and beaming from ear to ear treated the last lap round the track as his victory lap. AFP