PAUL Newby made up for his World Karate Championship disappointment of two years ago by clinching gold in Mexico recently.

The Silsden star won the 60-kilo category in front of 25,000 spectators in Monterrey to clinch the sport's ultimate prize.

His triumph comes after he was just ten seconds away from reaching the final of the World Championship in Madrid two years ago, only to be beaten at the death by his opponent.

Newby still clinched the bronze, but he said the last-gasp defeat had inspired him to greater things in this year's championship.

The 27-year-old, who is a member of the Silsden-based Seidokan Club, said: "I knew I could do it. I could have been in the final in Madrid, but I've proved the bronze medal was no fluke.

"I'm over the moon. In karate terms, it can't get better than this. I am absolutely made up."

Newby clinched gold, in what is the super lightweight category, with wins over competitors from Vietnam, Russia, Turkey and Venezuela before beating a tough Iranian opponent in the final.

Competitiors from over 80 different countries took part in the event.

Newby already has a string of English and British titles to his name, plus European and Commonwealth medals.