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Silver lining for home favourites at world athletics championships

China's javelin star Lyu Huihui and high jumper Zhang Guowei narrowly miss out on gold glory

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China's Lyu Huihui can't hide her disappointment after being pipped for gold in the women's javelin at the world championships. Photo: Xinhua

China came oh so close to glory on the final day of competition at the world athletics championships in Beijing on Sunday.

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Going into the final round of the women's javelin, Lyu Huihui was leading the field after setting an Asian record of 66.13 metres, but Germany's Kathrina Molitor pulled out a big throw of 67.69 metres to win the title.

It was my first time to be competing on my own doorstep. There were so many in the crowd supporting me
China's Lyu Huihui

Lyu was left in tears, having to settle for the silver medal and disappointing a noisy crowd at the Bird's Nest Stadium.

South Africa's Sunette Viljoen took bronze at 65.79.

Another Chinese competitor Li Lingwei finished fifth with 64.10.

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Later, Lyu recovered somewhat from her disappointment, saying: "It was my first time to be competing on my own doorstep. There were so many in the crowd supporting me."

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