By Isabelle Rondeau, PA International, Paris

Felix Sanchez once again proved he has no equal in the 400metres hurdles after retaining his title at the World Championships in Paris on Friday.

Unbeaten in the event since 2001 when he won the first-ever gold medal for his native Dominican Republic in Edmonton, the 25-year-old took the field apart at a rain-splashed Stade de France.

The reigning Olympic champion crossed the line in 47.25 seconds, some 10 metres ahead of second-placed Joey Woody of the United States. Greece's Periklis Iakovakis claimed bronze with a time of 48.24secs.

"My birthday is tomorrow this is the best present I could get," Sanchez said.

"Nobody has ran that fast in the past 10 years, it is really an honour to win this title with such a time.

"I still have to fix my trail leg but the time was just there at the end. I set my new personal best and successfully defended my title which was the most important for me tonight.

"I tried to run all out and not play any games with myself. My coach told me to run fast and concentrate and everything will come all right. It did. I had no trouble throughout the race."