France's Brian Joubert added the world gold medal to his European title after a breath-taking free program at the world figure skating championships yesterday.

Joubert had led after Wednesday's short program and was a class above his rivals again with a flawless routine that brought the Tokyo crowd to his feet and left the Frenchman in tears.

"I worked hard for this gold," said Joubert, who posted a winning total of 240.85 points. "It's been a great season. I gave it everything I had. But waiting for the scores was torture."

Japan's Daisuke Takahashi also broke down after taking the silver with a total of 237.95 while two-times defending champion Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland was third with 233.35.

Czech Tomas Verner was fourth with 226.25 with American Evan Lysacek fifth on 222.18.

Earlier, Bulgaria's golden couple Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski edged closer to a second straight ice dancing world title with a spell-binding original dance routine.

Denkova and Staviski, whose resemblance to former England soccer captain David Beckham has made him a big fan favorite in Tokyo, were given a rare standing ovation.

"It's nice they think I look like David Beckham," a beaming Staviski said. "Thank you very much. If only I could get as much money as Beckham that would be great!"

(China Daily via Agencies March 23, 2007)