ATHLETICS A Good Day for Irish Sprinters

Day 4 was a good day for Irish Sprinting. David Gillick, Paul Hession and Derval O'Rourke all qualifying for this evening's Semi-Finals. Gillick qualified for the 400m Semi-Final following his 2nd place in his Quarter-Final behind Britain's Robert Tobin. David has been drawn in Lane 6 in his Semi-Final and among his opponents is the defending champion Jeremy Warriner, USA. Only the top 2 in each of the 3 Semi-Finals and the 2 fastest losers will qualify for Friday's Final.

Following his qualification in yesterday 's morning heat, Paul Hession finished a credible 3rd in his Quarter-Final 200m in 20.48 secs behind the winner Jamacia's Steve Mullings. Paul has been drawn in the outside Lane (8) in his Semi-Final. Among his opponents are Walter Spearman, USA and Mullings again. The first 4 in both Semi-Finals will qualify for tomorrow's Final.

Derval O'Rourke ran an excellent season's best time of 12.86 secs to finish 2nd behind the fastest sprinter in the world in 2009, Australia'a Sally McLellan to book her place in this evening's Semi-Final. Derval has been drwan in Lane 5 this evening and among her opponents are Olympic Champion Dawn Harper, USA and McLellan again. Only the top 2 in each of the three Semi-Finals and the 2 fastest losers will qualify for Final which is scheduled for 20.15 this evening.

Semi-Finals

• David Gillick 17.15
• Derval O'Rourke 17.45
• Paul Hession 18.25