Mutola wins record seventh indoor 800 metres title

MOSCOW, March 12 (Reuters) Maria Mutola won an unprecedented seventh world indoor athletics title in the 800 metres final today.

The 33-year-old from Mozambique led from the start and kicked at the bell to win comfortably in a time of one minute 58.90 seconds.

Jamaica's Kenia Sinclair, considered an outsider in a strong field, put in a late surge to snatch silver in 1:59.54 ahead of Morocco's Olympic and world silver medallist Hasna Benhassi, who had to settle for bronze in 2:00.34.

Home favourite Olga Kotlyarova, who posted the best time of the season in 1:57.51 at last month's Russian national championships, faded badly on the final lap to finish a disappointing fifth in 2:01.26.

REUTERS PDS VC2011