The Olympic champion defended his world title in dramatic fashion, going into the final run of the day tied for first place with compatriot Nico Walther.

During the final heat, Friedrich and his team of Candy Bauer, Martin Grothkopp and Alexander Schueller pushed in front to triumph, recording a total time of 3min 36.09sec.

Walther and his team of Paul Krenz, Eric Franke and Joshua Bluhm faltered in their final run to finish third in 3:36.32. 

In second place in 3:36.14 was another German team, this time led by Johannes Lochner and comprising Christopher Weber, Florian Bauer and Christian Rasp. 

"Today has just been crazy, simply unbelievable," said Friedrich.

"The track is lined with fans from top to bottom. 

"Today could not have been better for us. 

"We stood with the sled in the garage yesterday and made a few adjustments, we also looked at our runs again. 

"And we were rewarded – an unbelievable team effort from us."

After the race, the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic silver medallist Walther announced his retirement.

"My tears were tears of joy," he said.

"We had the toughest season of our whole career. 

"To stand here with a medal at the World Championships is just a dream. 

"Altenberg was a very special World Championships for me as they will be my last."

There was more success for Germany as Jacqueline Lölling and Alexander Gassner emerged victorious from the inaugural mixed skeleton team event in a time of 1:55.39. 

Jane Channell and David Greszczyszyn of Canada were the silver medallists in 1:55.40, followed by Valentina Margaglio and Mattia Gaspari of Italy with bronze in 1:55.82. 

Competition has now concluded in Altenberg.