 Perez was over a minute ahead of his nearest rival |
Jefferson Perez of Ecuador won the first gold at the World Athletics Championships in Helsinki by taking victory in the 20km walk. Perez retained the title he won in Paris in 2003 with a winning time of one hour, 18 minutes and 35 seconds.
Francisco Javier Fernandez of Spain was second in 1:19.36, followed by Juan Manuel Molina of Spain in 1:19.44.
Perez broke away with Fernandez at around the 13km mark and then made his decisive solo effort 4km later.
The 31-year-old had considered retiring from competition 18 months ago because of a serious respiratory problem.
He was given a boost ahead of the event when highly-fancied Australian Nathan Deakes withdrew because of a hamstring injury.
However, the 27-year-old hopes to be fit for the 50km walk next Friday after undergoing treatment in London.
Defending Olympic champion Robert Korzeniowski quit after his fourth Olympic gold in Athens last year.
MMIX
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