France's Doucoure limps out of high hurdles

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Aug 12 (Reuters) - World champion Ladji Doucoure failed to qualify for today's 110 metres hurdles final at the European championships because of an injury.

The Frenchman finished fifth in his semi-final and crossed the line limping because of the calf injury that had made him a doubtful starter for the championships. Doucoure tore a right calf muscle in training last month.

''I almost didn't start,'' said Doucoure, who burst into the limelight by winning gold for the high hurdles and the 4x100 relay at last year's world championships in Helsinki.

''I had not recovered from the heat,'' added the 23-year-old, referring to his opening race on Friday, which had been his first in a month.

''We did everything we could. I feel like crying.'' His semi-final was won by Latvia's Stanislav Olijar, the fastest qualifier in 13.25 seconds and now the big favourite to win the final later today.

Olijar was the first to comfort his rival after Doucoure's misfortune.

REUTERS PDS VC2057