SAINT-DENIS, France -- Hicham El Guerrouj played air guitar and did a little shuffle after winning his fourth straight world title in the 1,500 meters. Then he made the proclamation.

"I am still the king of 1,500,'' the Moroccan distance great proclaimed Wednesday. "I've protected my kingdom.''

With the victory, which came at the expense of French favorite Mehdi Baala, El Guerrouj confirmed himself as arguably the greatest middle-distance runner of all time, surpassing Algeria's Noureddine Morceli, who won three golds from 1991 to 1995.

Almost as soon as he crossed the finish line, the 29-year-old El Guerrouj went into his animated celebration before being mobbed by team officials. Moments later, overcome by the enormity of his achievement, he lay down on the track, pulling the Moroccan flag over him like a shroud.

"It's the most beautiful day in my life,'' he said. "I am proud. My country is proud. My family is proud.''

El Guerrouj, who had to cope with 60,000 partisan fans cheering for Baala, won in 3 minutes, 31.77 seconds.

Baala, the European champion, was clocked in 3:32.31 to give the host nation its second silver of the championships. Ivan Heshko of Ukraine was third in 3:33.17.

In a touching display of respect, El Guerrouj went into the crowd to hug Baala's wife, Hanane, then kissed and held up the Frenchman's tiny baby daughter Amelle.

"It was a very stressful week for me,'' Baala said. "It's great to have the world championships at home but at the same time it's very stressful and there is a lot of pressure. How many times today did I think ahead to the race and my eyes started to fill with tears?

"I wanted to win for my public. I wanted to give Paris a present.''

Isaac Songok of Kenya, considered to be one of the few able to challenge El Guerrouj, was eliminated in the semifinals. Paul Korir of Kenya was fourth, just outside the medals. It was the first time since 1997 that Kenya finished outside the medals.

El Guerrouj said he knew the crowd would be fully behind Baala.

"Since I've been in Paris I haven't slept,'' he said. "It's been almost five days now. Today I tried to nap but couldn't because I was so nervous, so I called home. I talked to my little sister. She said, 'Bring back the gold for me.'

"I spoke to my mother. 'Maman, all the French are against me.' She said, 'Don't worry dear, at least God is with you.'''

El Guerrouj is not finished at the championships.

He's attempting an unique 1,500-5,000 double -- something that has not been achieved at a major championship since Finland's Paavo Nurmi at the 1924 Paris Olympics. The first heat of the 5,000 is Thursday.

"Tomorrow will be a big day,'' El Guerrouj said.

The 5,000 could be a tougher test if Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele races.

After beating his hero Haile Gebrselassie in the 10,000, Bekele has hinted he could try for what the greatest distance runner in history has been unable to achieve -- an audacious 10,000-5,000 double.

Bekele already has proven he has the finishing kick to throw off the best in the 10,000 but is untested against the power of El Guerrouj.

The question remains whether El Guerrouj will have the stamina to keep up in the later stages of the 5,000.

"I have come under a lot of criticism this season about my form, because I have not raced much,'' he said. "Some people say I am at the end of my career. But I won today, didn't I?

"I feel young and I still look good,'' he added, mockingly sweeping his fingertips down his torso. "Maybe people should think before they criticize.''