Shot star crashes out

Reigning world indoor shot put champion Manuel Martinez has failed to qualify for the final after a dismal performance in Saturday morning’s qualifying round.

The Spaniard could only manage a best effort of 19.78m, which ranked him 15th overall – only the leading dozen throwers progressed.

“I have no explanation for my performance,” said Martinez, the winner of 20 Spanish titles, both indoors and outdoors.

“I did not throw well. I do not know what really happened. It felt like there was a bad spell over me.”

Britain’s Carl Myerscough also crashed out. The second best performer this year finished 20th in the qualifying list with a best effort of just 19.51m.

While two of his main rivals struggled, defending champion John Godina produced the best throw of the morning.

The 31-year-old three-time World Championship gold medallist, sent a clear message to his rivals that he is hungry for even more success with a throw of 21.08m.

Only four throwers bettered the automatic qualifying distance of 20.45m.