Shinkins fails to qualify for final

Qualification for Wednesday's 400m final proved beyond Dublin City Harrier Karen Shinkins as she failed to advance from the third semi-final tonight in Paris, won as expected by Mexican Ana Guevara in 50.68.

Shinkins had a poor lane draw and looked hindered in the first lane.

She did have a solid start, posting a reaction time of 0.166, the second quickest of the race.

The seven-times Irish outdoor champion never got into stride and finished eighth of eight athletes.

Her finishing time of 52.74 was well down on her heat time, a season's best of 52.07.

She would have had to better her 1999 national record of 51.07 to progress.