• European Athletics Indoor Championships

Ofili forced to settle for silver

Tiffany Ofili was pipped to the gold medal by Germany's Carolin Nytra © Getty Images

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Tiffany Ofili missed out on gold by the narrowest of margins as she claimed Great Britain's first medal of the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Paris.

Ofili, who set a new British record in the semi-finals, broke her own record in the final of the 60m hurdles as she clocked 7.80 - the same time as Carolin Nytra. The pair crossed the line neck-and-neck, but officials awarded the gold to the German.

It is Ofili's first major medal in a British vest - born in Michigan she holds dual British and American citizenship but switched allegiances last autumn.

"That was really close, I had no idea if I was first or second," Ofili said. "It's a big deal and gives me a lot of momentum for the outdoor season.

"I'm very proud to bring a medal home. I did my best and I'm really excited by the time. It's a big personal best for me."

Mo Farah remains on course to defend his European title after cruising into the men's 3000 metres final. Farah sat at the back of the field for much of the race, only to pick up the pace to cross the line first in a time of 8:02.36 minutes.

The double European outdoor champion will be joined in the final by compatriot Andy Baddeley, who set a faster time than his team-mate, clocking 8:01.56 in the final heat.

Jenny Meadows led from gun to tape as she booked her place in the semi-finals of the women's 800m. It was easy going for Meadows, who qualified third fastest, but her team-mate Marilyn Okoro had to sneak through the back door, taking the final qualification spot.

The pair, who both missed out on medals in Turin two years ago, will have another crack at success if they can successfully navigate their way through Saturday's semi-finals.

Richard Buck leads the British hopes for a medal in the men's 400m after setting the fastest time in the heats. Buck, Richard Strachan and Nigel Levine all won their respective heats to progress to the semi-finals.

However, there was disappointment for Tom Parsons and Robbie Grabarz, who failed to make the high jump final, while Hannah England and Stacey Smith missed out on the 1,500m final.

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