Hicham El Guerrouj underlined his status as the top 1500m runner in the world by clinching his third world title with a stunning final lap in Edmonton on Sunday.

The Moroccan opened a huge gap from the chasing pack down the back straight on lap four but was nearly hauled in by rivals Bernard Lagat and Driss Maazouzi.

El Guerrouj, however, held on to take the gold in three minutes 30.68 seconds.

Kenyan Lagat claimed second place in 3:31.10 and Maazouzi of France took the bronze medal in 3:31.54.

El Guerrouj began the race confidently, taking an early lead before allowing his Moroccan team-mate take over at the front.

On the third lap his pacemaker moved aside as El Guerrouj put in a 55-second lap.

After starting the final lap with a lightening quick 200m, he was forced to fight down the straight to retain his title but did so by nearly half a second.

"It was great to win," admitted the Moroccan. "But I think that will be my final ever World Championship race in the 1500m. It is time for me to try out the 5000m"

"It's been an incredible day. I can't believe it.

"I'm here to give the fans a show - I'm so happy," he added.