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American Christian Cantwell avenged the loss of the 2008 Olympic gold medal to Tomasz Majewski when he overhauled the Pole on his fifth attempt to clinch shot put gold at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

In an exciting competition, Cantwell grabbed victory with an effort of 22.03 metres, the best in the world this year and 12 centimetres longer than Majewski's best throw.

German fans also had reason to celebrate on the first day of the championships when Ralf Bartels won bronze with a personal best of 21.37.

Cantwell's victory made it seven wins from the last eight world championships for the US.

"I knew I had a chance and I knew I could throw a little bit better," Cantwell said. "I thought myself to slow down and relax (in the fifth round)."

He did, however, admit the Beijing second place was still on his mind.

"(This medal) will never wipe away that memory," Cantwell added.

The 28-year-old, who had to settle for silver in Beijing last year after a surprise performance by Majewski, was explosive in his first attempt, throwing 21.54.

Wearing his trademark bandana, the bearded Majewski, who had dropped a shot on the American's foot during a meeting in London, rose to the challenge and must have thought he had won it when his fourth throw landed at 21.68.

The 27-year-old surged further ahead with a stunning 21.91 on his next effort.

But Cantwell, twice world indoor champion, was not finished, breaking the 22m barrier with his fifth attempt.

"I am disappointed. Christian's got it. That's it," said Majewski.

Women's pole vault favourite Yelena Isinbayeva, the world and Olympic champion and world record holder, remained in her tracksuit for most of the near-three hours of qualifying before joining the fray at 4.55 metres and sailing over.

Briton Kate Dennison also qualified by vaulting 4.55, one of 11 women to clear that height.

"I didn't jump my best, so I'm saving something for the big stage," Dennison said.

"I know I'll need another personal best. The final is going to start pretty high and that's a good thing - I'm up for the challenge.

"I had a really good warm up, felt good and jumped well. I enjoyed it and was quite relaxed in the end - more so than I thought I'd be."

Germany's Kristina Gadschiew was the only athlete to progress with a lower jump with her mark of 4.50 enough to seal the 12th and final slot for the final.

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Reuters