OSAKA, Japan — Yelena Isinbayeva defended her pole vault title at the world championships, needing only three attempts Tuesday to secure the gold medal.

Isinbayeva easily cleared 15 feet, 3 inches when she entered the competition, then rejoined at 15-9. She missed at her first attempt but regained first place with her next, perfectly executed vault.

She was attempting a world record. After a change of style, she has not improved the world mark since the 16-5 1/4 leap at the 2005 world championships in Helsinki.

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Katerina Badurova of the Czech Republic was second at 15-7.

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