Turnbull outclassed in 1500m heat

In his first major Championship 1500m, Belfast's Gareth Turnbull came home in a disappointing 3:42.01 to finish tenth of eleven athletes in the first heat of the 1500m.

Of the eleven, the St Malachy's athlete had the slowest Personal Best in 3:36.60 and he stuck in eighth for the opening two laps of the race.

Nearing the final lap Moroccan speedster Hicham El Guerrouj predictably went to the front and increased the pace which seemed to burn Turnbull off.

With 600m remaining a lead group of six athletes had developed and the Ulsterman began to get tailed off.

He seemed to have little in his legs to respond and came home in 10th ahead of Canadian Kevin Sulliva.

El Guerrouj clocked 3:38.25 as the fastest of the five qualifiers.