HELSINKI, Aug 14 - Cuban Osleidys Menendez broke her own javelin world record by 16 centimetres in recapturing the world title on Sunday.

The Olympic champion launched a first-round throw of 71.70 metres, bettering the mark of 71.54 she set in Rethimno, Crete on July 1, 2001.

Germany's Christina Obergfoll (70.03) smashed her personal best by over five metres to win silver. Compatriot Steffi Nerius (65.96) took bronze.

The medal-winning throws from Menendez, the 2001 world champion, and Obergfoll are the only two over 70 metres this year.