Second for Sharp as she eyes British title

LYNSEY SHARP says she is on track to shine at the World Championships after coming second in the 800metres at the Diamond League in Birmingham. The 29-year-old Scot clocked 2:01.09 to chase home US rival Ajee Wilson. She is now targeting a British title back in Birmingham next weekend before a smooth ride toward Doha. ‘Trials has always been a mixed bag for me,’ she said. ‘The last few years, it’s not been amazing. I feel I’m in a different place. I’ve got the tools in my box that I didn’t have last year. So next weekend is important. I need to deliver then.’ Fellow Scot Chris O’Hare stormed off the track in frustration after coming a lowly tenth in the 1500m while Guy Learmonth claimed he needs some extra lessons, having finished fifth in the 800m. But Eilish McColgan insisted third place in the mile proved her ring rust from training at altitude has been blown off. ‘That’s why I was a bit sluggish,’ said McColgan. ‘The first 100m was a shock to the system. I was in last place and thinking: “How am I going to keep this up?” But I’m glad I did it to force myself into the pace again.’ Meanwhile, Dina Asher-Smith was handed a boost as rival Shaunae Miller-Uibo confirmed she will not race in the 200m at the World Championships. Triple European champion Asher-Smith came second behind Miller-Uibo in the 200m in Birmingham. Bahamas sprinter Miller-Uibo will only race in the 400m at the worlds because the schedule will not allow her to compete in the 200m. She has not lost a race for two years — but despite seeing a main rival drop out, Asher-Smith is not taking gold for granted. ‘I don’t really think of things like that (now being the one to beat),’ said Asher-Smith. ‘I am used to being the underdog.’ Katarina JohnsonThompson missed out on victory in the long jump by one centimetre as she hones her heptathlon events ahead of Doha. Adam Gemili was second in the 100m behind Jamaica’s Yohan Blake.