There was no joy for the Irish women on the third day of the IAAF World Championships in Beijing with Tori Pena, Michelle Finn, Sara Treacy and Kerry O’Flaherty missing out on qualification in their respective events.

SAIF SAEED SHAHEEN had his Olympic eligibility blocked by the Kenyans last year but he replied in the best possible fashion last night when he retained his world steeplechase title at the expense of the Olympic gold and silver medallists.

HICHAM El Guerrouj of Morocco ended eight years of agony in Athens last night as he won the Olympic Games men’s 1500 metres gold medal.