Richard Kilty left behind by ‘silent’ gun

France’s Renaud Lavillenie on his way to winning the men’s pole vault, during the Anniversary Games at Horse Guards Parade (PA)

The world indoor champion Richard Kilty claimed his Commonwealth Games preparations had been “messed up” after an apparent problem with the starting pistol made a mockery of his 100 metres race at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games on Sunday.

Athletics:

There was no sound when the gun was fired, leading Kilty to pull up as soon as he had left his blocks thinking there had been a false start.

The race, though, was off and under way and the 24-year-old ended up coming last, a long way back in 10.60 seconds. Running on a purpose-built track at a temporary stadium at Horse Guards Parade, his England team-mate in Glasgow, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, took the victory in 10.29sec.

Kilty said: “It was obvious, ask the other competitors, nobody heard the gun. This gun they’re using, I don’t know if it’s faulty, but no one can hear it.

“This was my final preparation [for the Commonwealths]. I’ve trained hard the last two weeks, this has messed my preparation up a little bit. This run was meant to be used as race practice and a confidence booster for the Commonwealths and through no fault of my own it’s messed me up a little bit. It’s a shame.”

Tiffany Porter fired out a warning to Sally Pearson, her rival for 100m hurdles gold at the Commonwealths, by beating the Australian to victory. American Brianna Rollins, the world champion and another notable scalp, was second, with Pearson clocking 12.79 back in third.

Will Sharman continued his impressive form with another quick time – even if he lost out in a three-way photo finish in the 110m hurdles. The 29-year-old, who is in the form of his life after twice running a personal best of 13.21 this summer, clocked 13.24. American World Championship silver medallist Ryan Wilson was given the win.