Robert Harting clinches third successive World Athletics gold

German discus great Robert Harting won his third successive title at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow yesterday.

Robert Harting tears up his shirt as he celebrates winning the men's discus throw final in Moscow yesterday. Pic/AFP

The 28-year-old Olympic champion threw a best of 69.11 metres to take gold while Piotr Malachowski of Poland was second (68.36m) and Gerd Kanter of Estonia took bronze (65.19).

Meanwhile, India's Vikas Gowda fizzled out after sensationally qualifying for the final round yesterday.

Vikas Gowda competes in the Men's discus throw final in Moscow

Gowda, the Asian champion and national record holder, hurled the discus to 64.03m which he achieved in his fourth attempt to finish a disappointing seventh.

The United States-based Indian's series read 63.41, foul throw, 62.20, 64.03, 63.67 and 63.64. However, Gowda could not match his own national record mark which stands 66.28m.u00a0