Two world finalists - but both a little disappointed

Sopot, Poland, Saturday 7-9 March.

After a heat win, a slightly ragged run in his 60 metres semi-final saw Dwain Chambers only reaching fourth place with the first two and fastest two others qualifying for the final. He clearly thought he'd missed his chance of another tilt at a World Championship medal but when the last of the 'semis' was concluded Dwain had indeed just scraped into the final showdown as the slowest 'fastest' loser.

Come the final and the previously unrated Kilty of Gateshead had the best start and maintained it all the way to the line; a gold medal for GB&NI. For the rest it was a blanket finish with 2/100ths covering 2nd to 6th - the latter being Dwain's position. His 6.53 timing was just a fraction slower than his best for the season.

William Sharman won his 60 metres hurdles heat in 7.59 and then improved to a lifetime best of 7.53 to place fourth in his semi-final, thus qualifying for the final. Could he improve yet again?  Sadly no, not this time, as an error at the first flight put his timing out and each subsequent barrier was 'muscled through' rather than being cleanly taken.  William ended up 7th but keeps up that record - whenever it's a world championship, he's in the final.

60 Metres Result  60 Metres Hurdles Result