DAEGU (AP) -- Defending champion Trey Hardee won the men's decathlon Sunday at the world championships.

The world indoor and outdoor champion from the United States solidified the lead he had taken earlier in the day with a personal-best throw of 68.99 meters in the javelin. He finished ninth in the 1,500-meter race but his lead was big enough to claim the gold medal with 8,607 points.

American teammate Ashton Eaton was second with 8,505 points while Leonel Suarez of Cuba took third with 8,501.