ANTWERP, BELGIUM, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- German veteran Fabian Hambuechen was happy after he grabbed a bronze medal in the men's all-around final of 44th World Gymnastics Championships here Thursday.

"Well, it's just a great competition, tough fight till the end, " he said. "Starting with pummeling horse was not easy. It was my weakest event and I was really nervous, but at least I made it and I was really happy. After that I was just trying to do my best and I am really happy with this competition today."

Hambuechen won a bronze medal for all-around 7 years ago in Aarhus at the 39th World Championships, and last year he just finished 15th at London Olympics.

"I am really satisfied with the 3rd place, because I didn't expect anything today. I just thought with only two European teams, maybe you can get to the top five, but not to get a medal. Well, just unbelievable that it happens today," he said.

Hambuechen agreed that the Japanese Kohei Uchimura, who defended the champion tonight, is still unbeatable.

"You know, Kohei is the strongest gymnast all over the world. Kato is coming up really good. But at least everyone has to try his best and at least Kohei did the best job today. I am really happy for him."