TOKYO, Sept. 17, 2025 (Xinhua) -- The World Athletics Championships delivered another day of electrifying performances at Japan National Stadium on Wednesday, with America's Katie Moon defending her women's pole vault title and Italy's Mattia Furlani claiming the men's long jump crown.

Moon, 34, cemented her legacy by securing her third consecutive world women's pole vault title, clearing 4.90 meters on her final attempt.

The Olympic gold medalist from the same venue four years ago outdueled compatriot Sandi Morris, who cleared 4.85 meters to earn her fourth world championship silver since 2017. Slovenia's Tina Sutej rounded out the podium with a 4.80-meter clearance for bronze.

"All my medals are special, but this one means the most," Moon said. "The older you get, the harder it gets. As long as I stay healthy, I know I can keep jumping."

Italy's 20-year-old sensation Mattia Furlani captured the men's long jump title with a commanding 8.39-meter leap on his fifth attempt.

He edged out Jamaica's Tajay Gayle, the 2019 world champion, who matched his season-best of 8.34 meters for silver. China's Shi Yuhao delivered a season-best 8.33 meters to claim bronze, while compatriot Zhang Mingkun finished sixth.

"I was in great shape tonight and confident I could do it," Furlani said. "This gold medal caps a perfect year. I worked hard to peak for this moment."

Kenya's Faith Cherotich surged to victory in the women's 3,000m steeplechase, building on her bronze medals from the 2023 Budapest worlds and 2024 Paris Olympics.

Cherotich outpaced defending champion and Olympic gold medalist Winfred Yavi of Bahrain, who settled for silver, while Ethiopia's Sembo Almayew took bronze.

Portugal's Isaac Nader stunned the field in the men's 1,500m, upsetting 2022 world champion Jake Wightman of Britain to claim gold. Kenya's Reynold Cheruiyot secured bronze.

After five days, the United States leads the medal tally with seven golds, one silver, and two bronzes, followed by Kenya (4-1-2) and Canada (3-0-0).