McGuirk wins heat

TOM McGUIRK won his 400 metres heat when the European Championships started in Stockholm yesterday.

McGuirk maintained control of a rough and tumble race to cross the line in 47.73 seconds a personal best indoors for the Irish American.

Emma Nicholson is also through to the semi finals of the women's event when she clocked 54.13 seconds in heat three. Only two qualified by right but Nicholson qualified for being one of the fastest losers.

Ciaran McDonagh's displayed commendable consistency in the long jump with efforts of 7.59 metres and 7.58 metres but that was insufficient to see him into the final while Jonathon Kron had three no jumps in the same event.

In the men's 800 metres, James, Nolan finished fourth in a time of one minute 51.83 seconds, but this was not sufficient to qualify for today's semi finals.

Ireland's 3,000 metres athletes were also in action and finished - seventh in their respective heats, with Teresa Duffy clocking nine minutes 16.32 seconds and Anita Philpott recording nine minutes 18.20 seconds. However, they did not qualify for the final of their event either.