Hugues Fabrice Zango has finally won his first gold medal at the worlds after having claimed silver and bronze in previous years.
The Burkino Faso athlete jumped 17.64m ahead of Cubans Lazaro Martinez (17.41m) and Cristian Napoles (17.40m).
“I had so many difficulties and doubts, I have been struggling a lot,” he said.
“I had to travel a very long way to get this gold medal. I am proud to be the man who keeps his word. I promised to make history and I did it tonight.”
There was disappointment for world under-20 champion Jaydon Hibbert, though, as the 18-year-old exited the competition in the first round after feeling cramp in his hamstring.
The event was also missing world and Olympic champion Pedro Pablo Pichardo, who withdrew on the eve of the championships with injury.
Source: AW