Russian Volkova storms to world steeplechase gold

OSAKA, Japan, Aug 27 (Reuters) Russia's Yekaterina Volkova stormed to the world title in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase today, going one better than in 2005.

Volkova looked up at the giant stadium screen and repeatedly punched the air in delight as she came down the home straight to clock a world championship record nine minutes 6.57 seconds, with fellow Russian Tatyana Petrova taking silver in 9:09.19.

Kenyan Eunice Jepkorir, who had won five of her previous six steeplechases this year, settled for the bronze after fading over the second half of the race.

Uganda's 2005 gold medallist Dorcus Inzikuru did not travel to the world championships because she is pregnant.

REUTERS BJR RN1750