KUALA LUMPUR: Despite failing to record a mark in four of six attempts, Abdul Latif Romly successfully defended his men's long jump T20 (intellectual impairment) at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, today.
It was the 27-year-old's fourth world crown after triumphs at Doha 2015, London 2017 and Paris 2023.
Latif was a silver medallist at the Dubai edition in 2019.
The victory in Kobe will put him in a good stead as he aims for a third consecutive Paralympic title in Paris on Aug 28-Sept 8, following victories at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Latif , who holds the world record of 7.64 set in the Jakarta Asian Para Games in 2018, failed to record a mark in his second, third, fourth and fifth attempts, but a season-best mark of 7.30m in the second jump was enough to retain his world title in Kobe. He recorded 6.84 in his sixth and final jump.
Ecuador's Roberto Carlos recorded 6.95 to win the silver medal, followed by Colombia's Jhon Sebastian (6.84).
Another Malaysian, Zulkifly Abdulla, finished 12th, recording 6.02.
Latif was thrilled with his effort in Kobe.
"Although I did not record a mark in four attempts, I was still confident of retaining my title. It does not matter, as my performance shows I am consistent. I have won medals in the world championships since my debut in Doha," said Latif.
"My focus now is to win my third consecutive Paralympic crown in Paris in style. I hope to rewrite my world record as well."
Malaysia ended their campaign in Kobe with their best-ever haul of three gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
The gold and silver medallists have qualified automatically for the Paris Paralympics.
Malaysia's other gold medallists were Ziyad Zolkefli (men's shot putt T20) and Nazmi Nasri (long jump T37).
Eddy Bernard (400m T44) won a silver in his event, while Wong Kar Gee (long jump T12) and Ammar Aiman (400m T20) each contributed a bronze in Kobe.