Gold medalist Maurren Higa Maggi of Brazil kisses the podium during the awarding ceremony for the women's long jump final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Maurren Higa Maggi won the title with 7.04 metres. (Xinhua/Li Ga) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug 22 (Xinhua) -- Maurren Maggi of Brazil claimed the gold medal in the women's long jump by bettering Russian elite Tatyana Lebedeva over one centimeter at the Beijing Olypmics here on Friday.

    The champion secured her gold in the first attempt with 7.04 meters, her best performance this season.

    Lebedeva who took the silver in women's triple jump on Aug 17, was narrowly behind with 7.03 meters. Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria took the bronze with 6.91 meters.

    With the 7.04 meters mark, Maggi dominated the first place from the start to the end, despite Lebedeva's remarkable 7.03 meters in her last attempt.

    Carolina Kluft of Sweden, the reigning Olympic and three-time world champion in heptathlon, was eliminated after her first two attempts.

Maurren Higa Maggi of Brazil competes during the women's long jump final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Maurren Higa Maggi won the title with 7.04 metres. (Xinhua/Jiao Weiping) Photo Gallery>>>