Coghlan fastest loser

In an event where so much can go wrong, Peter Coghlan didn't have the smoothest of rides in yesterday's world championship heats of the 110 metre hurdles. He needed a place in the top three to ensure qualification, but despite ending up fourth in 13.57 seconds, he came through as a fastest loser.

With six heats, and the first three in each joined by the six fastest losers gaining qualification for today's three semi-finals, Coghlan felt his chances were good.

Running in lane seven, his chances weren't helped by a clear hit on the sixth hurdle yet he maintained his focus and was deserving of his position. The win went to Dudley Dorival of Haiti, who set a national record of 13.33, ahead of South Africa's Shaun Bownes. Finishing just ahead of Coghlan was Elmar Lichtenegger of Austria, who clocked 13.39.