Turnbull’s 1,500m field is low on quantity but high on quality

GARETH TURNBULL may not have to run first round heats tomorrow in the men’s 1,500m, as entries for the event at the world championships in Paris have hit a new low.

In terms of quality, the entry is top drawer, and the final should produce an exciting contest between Hicham El Guerrouj, world champion since 1997, the European champion Mehdi Baala - who has been groomed for a home victory since last year's sensational finish to the 1,500m in Munich - and Bernard Lagat of Kenya.

But in terms of quantity, there was an entry of just 31 as of last night, and at least one of those, James Nolan, will be withdrawn later today, as he was entered with Turnbull in advance of the national championships.