Athletics: Vili's winning streak ends

Valerie Vili
Valerie Vili
Valerie Vili's long winning streak came to an end at the world indoor athletics championships in Qatar today.

New Zealand's reigning Olympic champion had to settle for a silver medal at Doha behind her long-time rival, Nadzeya Ostapchuk, of Belarus.

Vili, last beaten in competition in September, 2007, hurled a best throw of 20.49m with her fifth and penultimate effort.

Ostapchuk bettered that with her own fifth throw of 20.68m and extended her advantage with a final put of 20.85m.

The bronze medal was won by another Belarussian, Natallia Mikhnevich, with 20.42m.