Seville snaps

Day 5: Main event - Men's 110 metre hurdles

Day 5: Main event - Men's 110 metre hurdles

With defending champion Allen Johnson of the USA pulling out of the semi-final through injury, the big question here is whether Britain's Colin Jackson still

has the bottle to reclaim the title he won back in 1993. But in an event where so much can (and does) go wrong, the race for gold will be far from a one man race. Colin Jackson (Britain) Age: 32. Personal Best: 12.91 (WR) Jackson's world record of 12.91 seconds, set when winning the world title in Stuttgart six years ago, may not be matched here but his determination for gold will. The most consistent performer of the decade, even if the Olympic gold medal has so far eluded him. Almost 11 years after taking silver in the Seoul Olympics, Jackson is still on top of his event - winning European gold last summer and the World Indoor title earlier this year. Anier Garcia (Cuba) Age: 23. Personal Best: 13.11. The new kid on the blocks, who even without a major outdoor championship medal, will certainly be in the hunt for one here. Has a best of 13.11 seconds. Duane Ross (USA) Age: 27. Personal Best: 13.15. The first appearance for the American at the World Championships but ran a lifetime best of 13.15 seconds in Linz less than a month ago. Is also the fastest qualifier for today's final.

Florian Schwarthoff (Germany) Age: 31. Personal Best: 13.05. Perhaps the tallest ever top class hurdler, his European silver in 1994 was his first since winning a junior medal back in 1987.

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics