Easily living up to expectations, Natala Nazarova became the first women to ever successfully defend the world indoor 400 metres title.
The 24-year-old Russian, who began the year with a world indoor best in the 500 meters, made up the stagger before the half way point, and was never seriously challenged en route to her 50.19 Championships record.
Teammate Olesya Krasomovets was closest, with a personal best 50.65. Taking the bronze was Tonique Williams, clocking a Bahamian record 50.97. Ionele Tirlea, the 1999 champion in the 200 metres, was a distant third in 51.58.
