DAVID GILLICK battled his way through to today’s semi-finals of the men’s 400m but there was heartbreak for Derval O’Rourke when she failed in her attempt to get a place in the final of the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Championships in Osaka.

DERVAL O’ROURKE, cautious rather than spectacular, eased her way into the semi-finals of the 100m hurdles at the European championships in Gothenburg with a performance that earned her a centre lane in this evening’s semi-finals — and an outstanding chance of making the final later on where she will be a contender for the bronze medal at least.

DAVID GILLICK turned in one of the most exciting performances of his life at the European Track and Field Championships in Gothenburg yesterday and was rewarded with a prime lane for this evening’s 400m semi-finals.