Barshim, the reigning World Indoor and Asian Games champion who has cleared 2.40 metres on eight occasions and has a personal best of 2.43m - 15 centimetres higher than Ito's - was the heavy favourite heading into the final.

But, following a heavy downpour which made conditions precarious, Barshim failed all three attempts at 2.24m, a height he would usually clear with ease.

Ito, along with Taiwan's Hsiang Chun-hsieng, each cleared that height, with the Japanese jumper awarded victory due to better clearances earlier in the competition.

“The rain disturbed my concentration," said Barshim afterwards.

"Moreover I could not warm-up properly due to rain.” 

Musaad Bala successfully defended his 800 metres title in 1min 49.40sec, while India's Tintu Luka front-ran her way to victory in the corresponding women's event in 2:01.53.

Hosts China were dominant in the field, with triple jumper Wang Wupin and shot putter Guo Tianqian each victorious with respective marks of 13.76m and 18.59m.

Liu Shiying also led a 1-2 finish in the javelin, with a throw of 61.33m, while China also enjoyed success on the track after pipping India to 4x400m relay glory.

The hosts duly finished top of the medals table with 15 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals followed by Qatar with seven golds in a 10 medal haul.

India, Japan, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates occupied the next four places. 

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