In an event where so much can go wrong, Peter Coghlan didn't have the smoothest of rides in yesterday's world championship heats of the 110 metre hurdles. He needed a place in the top three to ensure qualification, but despite ending up fourth in 13.57 seconds, he came through as a fastest loser.

With six heats, and the first three in each joined by the six fastest losers gaining qualification for today's three semi-finals, Coghlan felt his chances were good.

Running in lane seven, his chances weren't helped by a clear hit on the sixth hurdle yet he maintained his focus and was deserving of his position. The win went to Dudley Dorival of Haiti, who set a national record of 13.33, ahead of South Africa's Shaun Bownes. Finishing just ahead of Coghlan was Elmar Lichtenegger of Austria, who clocked 13.39.