Chinese shot putter Gong retains title in Doha

Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put final at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, on Oct. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

DOHA, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Defending world champion Gong Lijiao of China held off a strong challenge from Jamaica's Danniel Thomas-Dodd to win the women's shot put at the athletics world championships here on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Gong, who took the top honor two years ago in London at 19.94 meters. achieved four over-19m marks as she led all the way from the first round, grabbing the gold at 19.55 thanks to her fourth round effort.

Thomas-Dodd also achieved four over-19m marks and took the silver at 19.47. The bronze medal went to Germany's Christina Schwanitz at 19.17.