Prokhorova celebrates taking gold (Allsport).
PROKHOROVA TAKES GOLD
By From David Martin, PA International, Edmonton
Click here for more World Championships news
Click here for day three results
Russia's Yelena Prokhorova made the most of Denise Lewis' absence from the heptathlon to take gold here in Edmonton.
The 23-year-old, who led by just 25 points going into the final event, the 800m, but with her main rival Natalya Sazanovich unhappy running the two-lap
distance, she was never in any danger of being caught.
Prokhorova won the race in 2.11.53, while Sazanovich, of Belarus, finished over nine seconds back.
Prokhorova ended the competition on 6694 points, 155 ahead of Sazanovich.
American Sheila Burrell won the bronze medal, setting a new personal best of 6472.
Prokhorova said Lewis' withdrawal and French favourite Eunice Barber's exit when she failed to record a distance in the shot had boosted her.
“The competition became different with Lewis not starting and Barber having no mark in the shot. Suddenly there was only four of uscompeting for the
medals instead of six.
“I was hoping for a medal, not for gold, but after the excellent javelin result I became more confident. It was a great stress reliever.”
Sazanovich said an ankle injury had effected her performance.
“I wanted to do better, but I had problems with my ankle. I don't know what would have happened if I didn't have that problem.
“There are always problems over the course of a heptathlon. If I could re-do the 800m and high jump I would, but I am happy with everything else.”
