OXFORD City triple jumper Nathan Douglas has conceded defeat in his bid to make Great Britain’s team for the World Championships in Moscow next month after finishing runner-up at Birmingham, writes STUART WEIR.

The 30-year-old produced a season’s best of 16.74m, but it was only good enough for second place behind winner Julian Reid, who leapt 16.79. Douglas, who failed to achieve the qualifying standard for selection for the World Championships, had been having intensive physio on a hip injury before the event.

He said: “Today was a bit of struggle for me. I am happy that I pushed it as hard as I could. “Unfortunately it shows that I am not quite ready to get to the World Championships in Moscow, which is unfortunate. “I felt on fire at the Grand Prix two weeks ago, but I think it took a lot out of me and it will take me a while to recover from that. “I gave it my best shot and to pull out a season’s best in those circumstances isn’t too bad.”

Lawrence Clarke, from Christmas Common, also misses out on the trip to Moscow after finishing fourth in the 110m hurdles in 13.82secs as Belgrave Harriers’ William Sharman triumphed in 13.44.

After breaking his wrist in December and then tearing his hamstring, Clarke, who competes for Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow, described his participation in the trials as “a bridge too far”. He said: “I am so unfit, I couldn't keep up with anyone. Normally I start hurdling in December, but with the injuries this was my first outdoor race. I am not disappointed. I am just happy that I am still in one piece.”

He added that he hoped to run in the Anniversary Games at the end of the month with the aim of peaking towards the end of the season.

Radley’s Ashley Johnson came fifth in his 110m hurdles heat in 12.73. "The race went well,” he said. “I am just delighted to be here competing in the national championships.”

Clubmate David Gain, who won bronze in the 2013 UK Indoor Championships, was in a good position in his 200m heat when he pulled his hamstring and came in last. “I have been struggling with the hamstring all year,” he said.

“I was feeling good as I came off the bend then the hamstring went.”