Olympic champion and world record holder Jan Zelezny confirmed his status as the greatest ever javelin thrower, winning the world title with a giant throw of 92.80m.

The Czech, who has won gold at the last three Olympics, pushed Aki Parviainen into second place after the Finn had thrown in excess of 90m with his first throw.

Although he never threatened his world record of 98.48m, set in Jena five years ago, it was a tremendous throw in a major championship.

Parviainen (91.31m) won the silver medal with Greece's Konstadinos Gatsioudis taking bronze with 89.95m in one of the highest quality javelin competitions in history.

But it was Zelezny's day and the Czech athlete was elated with his win.

He said: "I am very happy but a little bit tired after a long competition - we were out there two hours and it was hard.

"I knew I had to throw long after Parviainen threw 90m - I still knew I could win.

"I feel for (Britain's) Steve Backley - I haven't qualified in the past and it is very hard.

"But he's my best friend in the javelin and he'll be back."

Britain's Mick Hill, who has been nursing an achilles injury, struggled to make an impact, and was way down on his personal best with a throw of just 77.81m.

Hampered by injury, Hill, who was unable to take his third throw, admitted afterwards that he was disappointed.

"The British medical team have done a fantastic job to get me down there in the final," he said.

"I was always struggling. That was illustrated by the fact that I threw 84m on Friday and only 77m tonight.

"I still think all the acupuncture was worth it just to be involved in the final.

"I'm sick as a pig but I gave it a go despite getting a few funny looks when I had a hot water bottle to warm up my Achilles.

"Jan is awesome. Last year Steve Backley threw 89m and he threw 90m.

"Today the Finn threw 91m and he threw 92m. He's unbeatable - I think if someone threw 100m he would throw 101m."