Struggling Gemili relies on selectors’ discretion after a sixth-place finish in 200m final

Adam Gemili’s hopes of individual selection for next month’s World Championships in London were left hanging by a thread after he trailed in sixth in the men’s 200m final at the British trials yesterday.

Nethaneel Mitchell-blake and Danny Talbot claimed the two automatic qualification places up for grabs while fourth-placed Zharnel Hughes is in pole position to take the third discretionary place.

Gemili refused to blame an apparent thigh strain for his below-average performance, and said he would still target improvements in the weeks ahead in the hope his past successes could count for something.

Gemili, pictured, said: “That’s nowhere near my standard – I didn’t come in and execute a good race at all. I’m not fit and where I need to be at the moment but I had to race here and I gave it my best shot.

“I have to put forward my case based on my history but at the moment I’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ve not been running 100 per cent all season and we’ll see what’s going to happen.”

Mitchell-blake, competing for the first time on British soil since emigrating to Jamaica at the age of 13, soared to victory in a Championship record 20.18 seconds, with Talbot also rising to the occasion to claim second in 20.20secs.

Mitchell-blake said: “It’s the first time I’ve run in front of my home crowd and the experience is second to none.

“I am so pleased to have the opportunity to do it again in London. It was a great field, everybody stepped up and hopefully we can do the country proud now in London.”

Hughes came fourth behind third-placed Leon Reid, but claimed his own hopes of automatic qualification after impressing in the heats had been hit when he felt his hamstring tighten as he rounded the top bend.

The GB selectors face a similar headache in the women’s 200m after Shannon Hylton stormed to a surprise victory with pre-race favourite Desiree Henry in third.

Hylton clocked an impressive personal best of 22.94s to secure automatic qualification and will be joined in London by second-placed Bianca Williams, who held on to finish clear in second place in 23.05s.

British record holder Dina Asher-smith looks more likely to be handed the discretionary third 200m slot despite disappointing in Saturday’s 100m as she continues her comeback from a serious foot injury.