Chicherova wins gold

Both Chicherova, who won silver behind her rival at the last two world championships, and Vlasic jumped 2.03 metres to move clear of the rest of the field but neither could clear 2.05.

Vlasic's failed attempts at 2.00 and 2.03 then proved decisive and the 27-year-old, who has been struggling with a knee injury and poor form this year, took silver.

Chicherova said she had been nervous after developing a cough on Saturday morning and feeling that perhaps her chance of a first major title might slip away again.

"My first thought in the morning was: 'Why everything is okay until the crucial moment comes and then always something happens?'," said the 29-year-old.

"I was angry with myself. That was also the reason why I could not make my best in the competition...I felt, like I still have to carry a heavy load behind me while jumping."

Croatian Vlasic, last year's International Association of Athletics Federations' women's athlete of the year, has spoken the past of having to deal with what she describes as "demons" when she is struggling, but was happy with her performance.

"I did not make it easy for them today," said the Olympic silver medallist, who also lost the title in Beijing on countback. "Of course, I am disappointed I did not win. It was a good competition and I am glad that my injury did not get worse here."

"Twenty days ago I was jumping 1.90 in training and I was crying like hell, I was, like, I don't want to put myself through this," she added.

Antonietta Di Martino won bronze for Italy's first medal of the championships after clearing 2.00 at her third attempt despite feeling tired after qualifying in the blazing Daegu sunshine.

"I started to feel my legs at 1.97, especially in my thighs," said the 33-year-old.

"It was difficult. I was just unsatisfied with clearing it on my third attempt. I got nervous because judges did not make up their mind on when I could jump.

"I was convinced I could jump well today. If my legs failed, my mind would respond."