She edged fellow German Sönke Rothenberger in a high-quality competition at the Ullevi Stadium.

It had looked as if the 48-year-old would finally be beaten at one stage after Rothenberger rode Cosmo to a whopping score of 90.614 per cent.

But Werth and Weihegold Old then showed nerves of steel to complete a flawless routine.

They were awarded 90.982 per cent - securing victory by just 0.368.

Cathrine Dufour of Denmark rode Atterupgaards Cassidy to a distant third on 84.561.

Carl Hester had to settle for fourth place with Nip Tuck, on 80.614, for a British team missing the reigning Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin.

Werth, a six-time Olympic and seven-time world champion, added to her wins in the team and Grand Prix Special events.

It also marked her 17th European title in a remarkable run stretching back to 1989.

Ijsbrand Chardon of The Netherlands leads the driving standings after a second place finish in today's marathon event at Slottsskogen City Park.

He lies on 147.37 points and will hope to maintain his advantage in tomorrow's decisive cones event.

The Netherlands also currently top the team standings on 299.05 points.

Medals will also be won in individual jumping tomorrow on the final day of the continental event.