Belarus' Andrei Mikhnevich saw the Shot Put gold medal snatched away from him with a final attempt from USA's Christian Cantwell at the IAAF World Indoor Championships on Saturday.

European silver medallist Mikhnevich launched the shot out 21.68m on his fifth attempt to take the lead from Cantwell, who had opened his account in the final with a 21.60m effort.

Cantwell, though, saved his best till last with a 21.83m throw to take gold and his third straight world indoor title.

"It was a great competition with so many throws over 21 metres," said Mikhnevich. "I wanted to win so I'm not totally happy. But before the sixth attempt I had a small technical problem and it was just worst possible situation for me."

Germany's Ralf Bartels, world outdoor bronze medallist, claimed bronze with a 21.44m throw in the second round.

"I'm amazed that I can compete at this level," said a delighted Bartels. "And now for the second time, perhaps I am like wine: the older I get the better I am.

"I was fortunate with the second throw at 21.44m and I showed my form again in the third round with 21.04m. After that, though, I was easily broken."

Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski finished in a disappointing fifth place with a first-round effort of 21.20m - no big surprise after an unimpressive qualification the previous day.

Germany's David Storl showed his form in qualifying but couldn't carry it over to the final and finished seventh with a 20.40m throw.

"I wanted it too much and then pushed so much I was technically unclean," said Storl. "Until I can offer 21.50 metres and fight for the medals ... it will take with me a little bit more time."

Belarus' Pavel Lyzhyn claimed sixth position with 20.67m, while Great Britain's Carl Myerscough finished in ninth spot with a 18.66m throw.