Hamish Kerr has banished his world championship demons with a leap of 2.36 metres to win a dramatic high jump final on Tuesday and earn New Zealand a second gold medal in Tokyo.

The 29-year-old, who failed to qualify for the final at the last two world championships, matched his personal best at the first attempt and tore off across the infield in celebration when Woo Sang-hyeok failed at the same height.

"I am stoked with the gold and stoked with the way I did it. That's something I am going to look back on," said Kerr.

"I had to fight for the gold. It was not an easy final for me. Many times I thought I wouldn't win. But being able to fight and not give up is important."

Woo, who was hoping to give South Korea their first ever outdoor world championship gold, finished second to add a

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