 Fernandes went into the race as one of the favourites for gold |
Portugal's Vanessa Fernandes went one place better than last year with gold in the elite women's race at the world triathlon championships in Hamburg. The 21-year-old triumphed in one hour 53 minutes and 27 to finish over a minute clear of Australia's three-time world champion Emma Snowsill.
American Laura Bennett finished third a further six seconds behind.
Britain's leading finisher was Andrea Whitcombe in 25th with Michelle Dillon in 29th and Kerry Lang 51st.
The elite men's race takes place on Sunday with Britain's Tim Don the defending champion.
Britain's Hollie Avil is the new world junior champion, while compatriot Alistair Brownlee took silver in the junior men's event. Avil won in a time of 59 minutes and 43 seconds, 11 secs ahead of Australia's Ashleigh Gentle, with home favourite Rebecca Robisch third.
Defending champion Brownlee was beaten to gold by France's Aurelien Raphael, who won in a time of 53:34.
But the Briton dug deep in the 5km run to secure silver in 54.09, ahead of another Frenchman, Vincent Luis (54.14).
Britain's Rosie Clarke and Ritchie Nicholls both narrowly missed out on bronze medals in the Under-23 races.
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