TOKYO :Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers, twice an Olympic silver medallist, won the women’s world high jump gold on Sunday, but only after a nervous wait during a long rain suspension.

Olyslagers, the world indoor champion for the last two years, was faultless through to 2.00 metres, with Poland’s Maria Zodzik the only other athlete to clear it - at the third attempt – for a lifetime best.

Ukraine’s Olympic champion and world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh failed once – before torrential rain forced a suspension of the action.

After around an hour trying to keep warm, the remaining three athletes returned to the fray, though with little success.

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