In a nailbiter of a competition, World champion Reese Hoffa snatched his second consecutive World Athletics Final win with a final round heave of 20.98.
"I didn't know what to expect from this meeting," said Hoffa, "I came here a little bit tired."
Andrei Mikhnevich of Belarus, the 2003 World champion, controlled the competition through the first three rounds, reaching 20.51 in the first and 20.88 in the second. American Adam Nelson, who took the 2005 WAF title as a follow-up to his World gold in Helsinki that year, moved into second ahead of Hoffa in the third round with a 20.75 throw, well ahead of Hoffa’s 20.55 from the second.
Nelson improved to 20.95 with his final throw, just shy of Hoffa’s 20.98, while Mikhnevich fouled, to finish third. It was Hoffa’s sixth straight victory, ninth of his last ten, and 12th overall this season in 15 starts.
"2007 has been a great year in terms of results, titles and consistency," said Hoffa, who also took the U.S. title this year. "In 2008 I intend to defend my World indoor title and do well at the Olympic Games."
Bob Ramsak
