The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) struggled in Wednesday's session, falling 0.63% to close at 7,213.8 points.
That was despite a strong performance from the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ), which lifted 0.7% on the back of rising oil prices.
Brent crude oil improved 1.1% overnight to US$76.84 a barrel while US Nymex crude oil gained 1.2% to US$72.91 a barrel.
Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XJO) fell 1% despite a ripper performance from the Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price.
The stock rose 3.8% after the travel favourite dropped its full-year earnings, detailing a $70 million profit and $365 million of revenue.
ASX 200 mining stocks also had a rough session, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) coming in as the worst-performing sector, falling 1.7%.
So, with all that in mind, let's dive into ten ASX 200 shares that managed to defy today's downturn to post the index's biggest gains.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
The biggest gain on the ASX 200 on Wednesday was posted by West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF).
The gold developer's share price roared 4.6% higher despite only silence from the company.
These shares made today's biggest gains:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $0.90 | 4.65% |
| Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) | $7.58 | 3.84% |
| Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) | $2.07 | 2.99% |
| Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) | $1.43 | 2.14% |
| Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) | $4.31 | 2.13% |
| Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) | $6.48 | 1.89% |
| Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) | $4.67 | 1.74% |
| Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) | $7.46 | 1.63% |
| Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) | $2.06 | 1.48% |
| Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) | $7.50 | 1.35% |
Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.
