Murer set a South American record of 4.85 meters to beat Martina Strutz, who set a German record of 4.80. Svetlana Feofanova gave Russia bronze with a height of 4.75.

In the 800 meters, world-record holder David Rudisha of Kenya beat rival Abubaker Kaki of Sudan to win his first world title with yet another dominating performance. It was the 32nd straight race he has won in the last two years.

But in front of 40,000 fans at Daegu Stadium, nothing could match another implosion by Isinbayeva.

Imperial despite recent performances to back it up, the two-time Olympic champion got into the competition last when others were already fighting for survival at a height of 4.65 meters.

It turned out to be the only mark she would clear, only a slight improvement over her no-height performance at the worlds in Berlin two years ago, starting a spiral of decline. She took a one-year break after losing to Murer at last year's indoor championships, hoping to come back stronger in Daegu.

It didn't matter.

When she used to go into a huddle, covered by blankets or towels to concentrate, her competitors used to fail. Now, oblivious to the reclining former world champion, they went higher and higher, leaving the Russian behind.

After Isinbayeva first missed at 4.75 meters, her rivals kept scaling the bar, forcing her into two attempts at 4.80 to even have a shot at the title. She failed.