Robert Fazekas of Hungary broke a 24-year-old championship discus record to win European gold in Munich.

Less than half a metre separated the top three in the event for the first four rounds in a tight contest.

But Fazekas, who went into the event ranked number one, claimed the gold medal with his decisive throw of 68.83m.

That was enough to beat the championship record of 67.20, set in 1978 by Wolfgang Schmidt of the former East Germany.

With the wet conditions making life tough for the throwers, Fazekas, who had launched a discus over 71m this season, was the only competitor able to top 65m more than twice.

Early lead

Olympic champion Virgilius Alekna of Lithuania had set the pace with his first-round throw of 66.62.

However, he lost the lead in the very next round to Fezekas, and Alekna had to settle for silver, just as he did at last year's World Championships.

Experienced German Michael Mollenbeck took bronze thanks to his opening distance of 66.38, though, like Alekna, he was not able to challenge Fezekas in his remaining throws.

Spain's Mario Pestano marked himself out as a name to watch in the future as the 24-year-old claimed fourth in 64.69.

Nonetheless, the day belonged to the Hungarian, who more than made up for finishing just outside the medals four years ago in Budapest.

Reigning European champion Lars Riedel did not compete, suffering from a shoulder injury.