Czech Republic’s reigning European indoor and outdoor 400m champion Pavel Maslak significantly improved upon his fifth position in the 2012 edition, which advertised his arrival as a 400m runner having previously concentrated on 200m, to scorch to in victory 45.24.
The 23-year-old took the race by the scruff of the neck from the gun, immediately going into the lead, and was rewarded with the Czech record, becoming the second-fastest European ever over two laps of the indoor track.
He became the first Czech man other than a multi-events exponent to win a gold medal at the championships and the first Czech gold medallist in any event for a decade.
Chris Brown put up a valiant effort at regaining the title he won in Doha four years ago but had to settle for the silver.
The Bahamian in turn, sped to a 45.58 lifetime best – a world indoor age-35 best – thus becoming the oldest 400m medallist in the 15-year history of these championships.
US champion Kyle Clemons came home third in 45.74.
Costa Rica’s 2012 champion Nery Brenes put up a brave defence of his title, passing the bell in second place behind Maslak, before fading in the home straight and jogging home in 47.32.
Nicola Bamford for the IAAF