Berlin - Ryan Brathwaite made the most of a long absentee list to win the 110 metres hurdles world title and by doing so claimed the first ever medal for Barbados.

Brathwaite won a photo-finish in 13.14 seconds for his biggest career success.

Terrence Trammell of the US had to settle for silver for the third time in 13.15 seconds, with compatriot David Payne also missing a first big title in third place, like Trammell on 13.15 seconds.

The field was heavily depleted after Olympic champion and world record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba limped out after two hurdles in the semi-finals. The 2005 winner Ladji Doucoure of France and the 2007 champ Liu Xiang of China were not in Berlin for injury reasons. (dpa)