MOSCOW, March 13 (Reuters) - The world indoor championships began with a
whimper and ended with a bang after hosts Russia grabbed eight titles to match
their best gold medal tally.
Old rivalries were renewed and new ones began. As the crowds grew in size
over the three days and the noise levels increased, the athletes responded with
bigger and better performances.
Kenenisa Bekele underlined his claim to be one of the greatest athletes in
history. He became the first person to win world titles on three surfaces --
indoor, outdoor and cross country -- after triumphing in the 3,000 metres.
Saif Saaeed Shaheen showed signs of challenging the Ethiopian's dominance
this year with his silver-medal winning performance.
"The race was fantastic," double world steeplechase champion Qatari Shaheen
said. "I hope in the summer I get a chance to run with him again.
"I don't want to say I'll beat him because I might not but I will try."
Yelena Isinbayeva, the undisputed pole vault queen could also face a fresh
competition since rival Svetlana Feofanova has recovered from the back injury
that sidelined her last year.
Feofanova finished third in Moscow behind the world and Olympic champion but
the 25-year-old was the leading light in the event pre-Isinbayeva.
"I suppose I simply wanted to get a good result too much and my emotions got
in the way," Feofanova said in her first international competition since the
2004 Olympics.
ONLY MAN
Russia's women had been expected to dominate proceedings, particularly on the
track where they had the year's leading times in all events bar the 60 metres
hurdles.
It proved to be the case as high jumper Yaroslav Rybakov was the only man who
contributed to the country's golden tally.