DANNY Talbot's bid for a place in the 200m final at the World Athletics Championships came up gallantly short in London tonight.

The Trowbridge sprinter, 26, finished fifth in his semi final at the London Stadium to miss out on a place in Friday's showpiece.

Drawn in the toughest of the three semi finals, which included 400m world champion Wayde Van Niekerk, the former St Augustine's Catholic College pupil ran a fine bend, but found himself squeezed out in a tight race to the line.

Talbot, who clocked 20.38, told BBC Sport: "I just need to have more self-belief.

"I showed on Monday (in the heat) I had the ability to challenge the best with a personal best with a lot left in the tank but I have to do better as I am not a young athlete anymore.

"I am nearly reaching my peak and want to be in the finals and challenging for the medals."

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