World Athletics: Mistake costs GB sprinters bronze medal

Great Britain's baton blunders returned to haunt them again at the World Championships in Moscow as the men's 4x100 metres relay team lost their bronze medal after being disqualified.

Dwain Chambers came flying down the home straight to bring the team home in third place, but after doing a lap of honour they were given the bad news.

The second changeover from Harry Aikines-Aryeetey to James Ellington took place out of the designated box, meaning the result was always likely to be reversed.

UK Athletics confirmed the disqualification and, as a result, Canada were promoted to bronze.

It is the latest in a long line of relay failures for Britain's sprinters. It is the sixth major championship out of seven in which they have failed to get the baton round properly.

There was better news however as the Great Britain's women's 4x100 metres relay squad were promoted to bronze after the French team were disqualified.

Britain came home in fourth place but were upgraded following a successful protest against the France team, who were second.

The International Association of Athletics Federations confirmed the French had been disqualified because their second baton exchange took place outside the changeover zone.

The French took their case to the jury of appeal, but it was rejected.

The news of the promotion came barely two hours after Britain's men's 4x100m team were stripped of their bronze after being disqualified over an identical issue.

It meant Britain finished the championships with six medals in total.