The three-time European gold medallist trailed Japan's defending world champion Yuzuru Hanyu after yesterday's short programme.

But his fine display in the free programme was rewarded by the judges with 181.16 points, giving him a combined total of 273.90 from the two disciplines.

It proved enough to dethrone Hanyu, with the Olympic champion posting an overall score of 271.08 points, while Kazahkstan's Four Continents Championship gold medallist Denis Ten rounded off the podium in bronze on 267.72.

There was further success for reigning European champions as Elizaveta Tuktamysheva became the first Russian to win the women's individual world title since Irina Slutskaya claimed gold at the 2005 World Championships in Moscow.

Tuktamysheva began the day in pole position, following her stunning performance in short programme on Thursday (March 26), which saw her establish a six point advantage over the rest of the field.

Russia's Elizaveta Tuktamysheva took gold after dominating the women's competition
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The 18-year-old secured gold after her free skate performance included seven triple jumps, two double Axels, in addition to two level-four spins and level-three footwork.

The routine was rewarded with a score of 132.74 points, giving Tuktamysheva a combined total of 210.36 points from the two programmes, while Japan's Satoko Miyahara some way adrift in second 193.60 points.

"I am very pleased with my performance and that I was able to put out a decent skate," Tuktamysheva said.

"I am full with emotions now, it is an amazing moment."

There was further success for Russia as 16-year-old Elena Radionova clinched bronze with 191.47 points, ahead of the United States Gracie Gold, whose 188.96 points saw her finish fourth, having begun the day in eighth place.

The crowning of the two individual champions saw competition in the Chinese city draw to a close, with the traditional exhibition event set to round off World Championships, organised by the International Skating Union, tomorrow.

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