Phillips of the U.S. competes during the men's long jump final at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu
Dwight Phillips of the U.S. competes during the men's long jump final at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu September 2, 2011. REUTERS

American Dwight Phillips reclaimed the world long jump title on Friday, leaping 8.45 meters on his second and final valid attempt to see off the challenge of Australian Mitch Watt.

The 33-year-old has had a poor season but found his form when he needed it on a breezy evening in Daegu to claim a third world title after earlier successes in 2003 and 2005.

Watt, who had dominated the season and had the biggest jump of the year of 8.54, leaped 8.33 on his second jump but was unable to better that mark over his final four attempts.

The 23-year-old took silver to add to the bronze he won in Berlin two years ago, while Zimbabwe's Ngonidzashe Makusha took the bronze with his opening leap of 8.29.

Silver Zimbabwe Silver Zimbabwe