Žbogar was behind only Giles Scott of the UK (48) and Jonathan Lobert of France (93).

"I'm very happy with this third place. I have waited for it twelve years and finally I have it. A lot of hard work has been invested, I was 4th, 5th or 6th many times, never making it among the top three," the 40-year-old told reporters after the final race.

This is Žbogar's first medal at world championships in any category, including laser, in which he won Olympic silver and bronze medals in Beijing in 2008 and in Athens in 2004, respectively.

The Slovenian has already secured the appearance at the Summer Olympics in Rio in 2016. "Now the road to Rio will be much easier, this result gives me and my team an additional motivation. The season has ended phenomenally, but there will be no time to rest. Hard work awaits us in preparation for the Olympics," he said.