TOKYO, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Katie Moon of the United States clinched her third straight women's pole vault title at the World Athletics Championships here on Wednesday.

Moon, 34, who also claimed Olympic gold at the same National Stadium four years ago, delivered a season's best performance with a 4.90-meter clearance to retain her crown.

Her compatriot Sandi Morris, a three-time runner-up at the worlds, had to settle for silver once again after failing at 4.95 meters.

"All my medals are special, but this one is the one," said Moon afterwards. "The older you get, it gets harder. I don't know how many years I still have in me, in pole vault, [but] as long as you stay healthy, you can jump long."

Tina Sutej of Slovenia took bronze, as China's Niu Chunge finished 11th. ■