Suzuki delivers historic gold for Japan as walkers conquer the heat

Yusuke Suzuki made history for Japan on Sunday delivering the country's first ever world title in the men's 50 kilometres walk as competitors conquered Doha's sweltering heat and humidity.

Suzuki's pillar to post victory -- who timed 4hrs 04min 20 seconds -- was impressive enough but possibly outdone by the achievement of Portugal's silver medallist Joao Vieira who at 43 became the oldest male athlete to medal at the world championships.

"This is very good, I am very happy," sad Vieira through a translator, who added there was no question of retirement and he would go to the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Canada's Evan Dunfee, who began the race aged 28 and turned 29 during it (it began at 23.30 local time on Saturday) took bronze.

The women's race saw a Chinese 1-2 with Liang Rui taking gold in 4hr 23min 26sec and Li Maocuo the silver.

Italy's Eleonora Giorgi took the bronze -- defending champion Ines Henriques failed to finish.

For Suzuki it also represented redemption for the ...