American Jerome Young upset compatriot Tyree Washington to win the men's 400 metres gold at the world championships on Tuesday.

Young, fourth in Seville four years ago, ran a well-judged race to win in 44.50 seconds to restore American supremacy in an event searching for a dominant figure since the retirement of Michael Johnson, the world's greatest ever 400 metres runner.

Washington, world indoor champion and unbeaten in 11 races this year, took the silver in 44.77, with Marc Raquil of France finishing fast to take bronze in 44.79.

"This is a feeling I can't describe," said Young, twice the US champion. "I have always dreamt about getting a gold medal in major championships and it has finally come.

"I've worked really hard all year. A medal counts so much in an athlete's career that I will never forget this."

Both Young and Washington were part of the US 4x400 relay squad that set a world record at the 1998 Goodwill Games.

Washington, who has bounced back this season after illness, and injury, as well as having to testify last year against his sister at her trial for the murder of her daughter, said his defeat was hard to stomach.

"I've waited all year for this. I started running in January and I guess it caught up with me," Washington said.

"It was my first loss of the season. Man it hurts.

"I knew I was in trouble on the curve but I was gaining ground in the last 100 metres. In another 10 metres I would have got him (Young).

Bahamian defending world champion Avard Moncur failed to qualify for the final along with 2001 silver medallist Ingo Shultz of Germany.

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