Winner Olga Kaniskina of Russia, second-placed Liu Hong of China (L) and third-placed Anisya Kirdyapkina of Russia bite their medals after their women's 20km race walk final at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu August 31, 2011.  [Photo/Agencies]

DAEGU, South Korea - Russia's Olga Kaniskina grimaced her way through downtown Daegu to win the women's 20 kilometres walk title at the world championships for a record third time.

China's Liu Hong took the silver medal ahead of another Russian, Anisya Kirdyapkina, in third.

Kaniskina, who eclipsed compatriot Olimpiada Ivanova's mark with her third title, crossed the line in a time of 1:29.42, eight seconds ahead of Liu.

World record holder Vera Sokolova had looked strong at the head of the field but at the hour mark started to suffer and dropped back to finish in 12th place.

With her tortured face slowly relaxing into relief, Kaniskina thrust her arms into the air to celebrate a third consecutive title as legs like bendy straws dragged her over the line.

Olga Kaniskina of Russia (front) leads the pack during their women's 20km race walk final at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu August 31, 2011.  [Photo/Agencies]