Struggle for British men

Britain's men struggled to make an impact yesterday in the team relay event, coming in 13th of the 16 teams competing in the World Championships at Millfield School here. Their efforts seemed all the more disappointing as the women's team had won their event.

It was clear from the early stages that the men's team of Matthew Barnes, Andy Mackenzie and Simeon Robbie were under pressure. Weak scores in the shooting, fencing and swimming sections left them so far behind in last place that even finishing fifth in the riding moved them up only one place.

Respectability, hinged on the running where they at least managed to overhaul the United States and Uzbekistan.

The gold medal went to Hungary, Sweden took the silver and the bronze went to Poland.

The women's relay winners, Stephanie Cook, Kate Allenby and Georgina Harland, are back in action today in the qualifying rounds for the individual and team final on Saturday. They will be joined by the British No 4, Sian Lewis, as they attempt to reach the top 32 (out of 80) in order to go through to the final.