Ethiopia's Meseret Defar produced a devastating last-lap burst to see off compatriot Meselech Melkamu and complete a hat-trick of women's world 3,000 metre indoor titles in Valencia.

The 24-year-old, who set a world best time for two miles earlier this season, clocked eight minutes 38.79 seconds, nearly three seconds ahead of Melkamu.

Morocco's Meriem Alaoui Selsouli was third and Kenya's Sylvia Kibet finished fourth.

"Today it was an easy race for me, because of that I didn't have to run too fast," Defar said. "It's excellent preparation for the Beijing Olympics (in August)."

Sweden's Stefan Holm went one better than Defar to notch his fourth indoor world title in the men's high jump.

As expected the contest ended up as a duel between defending champion Yaroslav Rybakov and Holm. The 31-year-old Swede won through with a clearance of 2.36 metres while the Russian only managed 2.34.

Kyriakos Ioannou of Cyprus and Andra Manson of the U.S. took the bronze medals.

"It's a fact as I get older it gets a bit harder to win medals," said Holm. "But I'm really satisfied with my title and I'm still motivated."

Ethiopia's Derese Mekonnen crossed the line first in the men's 1,500 but was disqualified after stepping off the track and Kenya's Daniel Kipchirchir Komen was given the gold.

A huge roar went up from the crowd as Spanish duo Juan Carlos Higuero and Arturo Casado were promoted to second and third place respectively.

World outdoor champion Yargelis Savigne added the indoor crown to her collection when she won the women's triple jump.

The Cuban snatched victory from Olympic silver medallist Hrysopiyi Devetzi of Greece with a final leap of 15.05 metres.

Slovenia's Marija Sestak was third.

There were surprises in the men's and women's 60 metres hurdles with hot favourites Dayron Robles and Susanna Kallur making early exits.

Robles went out in the first round after being left on his blocks during his heat when the 21-year-old Cuban thought rival Liu Xiang had made a false start.

Swedish world record holder Kallur withdrew from the semi-finals of the women's event after suffering a hamstring injury in the warmup.

Lolo Jones took advantage of Kallur's absence to take gold in 7.80 seconds ahead of fellow American Candice Davis and Cuba's Anay Tejeda.

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Reuters