Johannesburg - South Africa hung on to seventh place on the medals table despite a barren final day at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Athletics Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand on Sunday.

China topped the table with 21 gold medals and 58 in total, and Russia finished second with 18 gold and 35 altogether.

South Africa secured nine gold, seven silver and nine bronze for a total of 25.

Veteran wheelchair racer Ernst van Dyk was the only South African in action on the final day, in the men's T54 marathon, but the 37-year-old faded to sixth in the tightest of sprint finishes.

The first eight men finished within five seconds, with Kurt Furnley of Australia clinching gold in 1:31.09.

Four other competitots separated Furnley and Van Dyk, who was only a second behind the winner.

Oscar Pistorius baged the most medals of the South African contingent with three gold and one silver in sprint events.

Teboho Mokgalagadi, also a sprinter, and Ilse Hayes, who competed in the women's 200m and the long jump, won two gold medals each.

"This is the best team that I've ever been on tour with," said South Africa's team manager, Dion Bishop.

"There's been great camaraderie among all team members and we are very proud of our achievements."