Robert Heffernan’s medal chances have been significantly enhanced with the withdrawal of Russian Olympic champion Sergey Kirdyapkin for this morning’s 50km race walk at the World Championships in Moscow and double 50km Olympian Colin Griffin believes the Corkman is on course for a treasured medal.

Brian Gregan persevered but ultimately finished seventh in his 400m semi-final, bowing out of the World Athletics Championships in Moscow.