Gillick battles into Doha final

David Gillick remains on target to win the World Indoor 400 metres title, but admits he may have to show more patience than he did in his heat.

Gillick nearly saw his chances of making the final ruined when he cut in and tried to take the lead ahead of Bershawn Jackson.

The US champion repelled Gillick’s strong challenge and the Irish star had to quickly regain his balance.

Gillick, who fell at last year’s European Indoors and missed out on a third title, battled bravely to reassert himself and was closing Jackson down quickly towards the finish.

But the former world 400m hurdles bronze medallist maintained his momentum to win by just 0.02 seconds in 46.13secs.

Gillick said: “I’m a little frustrated because I wanted the best position to get the best possible lane, but I was chopped at 200m and almost came to a halt before I could start running again.

“In the final I’ll try to be maybe a little more patient, but if there’s a gap I’ll still likely go for it because this is where races are won or lost.”

Jackson said: “David Gillick is one of the major challengers for the final. He has got a very strong finish and is determined. But this is my game. I feel very strong.”