Beamish 4th in steeplechase

World champion George Beamish couldn't find his best form and had to settle for fourth in the steeplechase.

World steeplechase champion George Beamish was below his best on the opening day of athletics.

Beamish, 29, was obviously a medal

favourite in the steeplechase, but his task was not easy - he faced three talented Kenyans, as well as other classy runners.

The steeplechase, a straight final, turned out to be slow-paced and Beamish ran in the middle of the field for most of the journey. When the Kenyans upped the pace with about four laps remaining, the New Zealander was unable to go with them.

He finished fourth in 8min 24.69s. The race was won by 18-year-old Edward Serem in 8min 18.23s and he was followed home by his two countrymen.

Beamish seemed understandably disappointed afterwards. 'I guess everyone was waiting to see what the Kenyans would do and they took it on about four laps out. I felt alright in the first few laps, but I just didn't have the legs to go with them.'

The New Zealander seemed frustrated. As he said, 'On the right day, I can beat these guys.'

Beamish won the world title last year and has a personal best time of 8min 09.64s, but he was well off that form in Glasgow.

In the men's hammer throw, Anthony Barnes finished sixth in the field of eight with a best throw of 67.49m, well behind the winner, Ethan Katzberg of Canada, who threw 80.97m.

Barnes' throws during the evening were 64.96m, 67.49m, 66.03m, 66.59m, no throw, 67m. His personal best is 72.66m.