Tallent, from Newlyn, was leading the race with 10km to go and was still in the bronze-medal position going into the 25th and last lap of the course in central Berlin.

But he was passed by four other walkers including compatriot Luke Adams and had to settle for seventh in a time of three hours, 44 minutes and 50 seconds.

Adams was sixth in a personal best of 3:43:39.

The gold medal went to Russian Sergey Kirdyapkin (3:38:35), who also won the 2005 world title.

Norway's Trond Nymark was second in 3:41:16 and Spaniard Jesus Angel Garcia was third in 3:41:37.

Tallent and Adams set the pace for much of the race, with the Australian duo holding down the gold and silver medal positions after two and half hours.

But they were unable to hold on for a podium finish in the closing stages.

Tallent was sixth in the 20km race earlier in the championships and second in the 50km race in Beijing and third in the 20km.

He walked the final 10km of the longer event last night six minutes slower than gold medallist Kirdyapkin whose victory meant Russia swept the three walking races in Berlin.

Sixth for Adams was his best ever result in the 50km race at a major championships.