Padua - South Africa's “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius on Sunday failed in his latest attempt to register a qualifying time for the 400m at next month's world championships.
The 24-year-old was third in a time of 46.65 seconds, still outside the 45.25 seconds time that he needs to compete in the championships in Daegu, South Korea in August.
Jamaica's Lansford Spence won the race in 46.34, with Martyn Rooney of Great Britain taking second spot in 46.36.
Pistorius, who has a best time in the 400m of 45.61 seconds, now has one more chance, in Lignano on Tuesday, to break the qualifying barrier.
The South African, who had both lower legs amputated, has captured four Paralympic gold medals but since 2008 has been cleared to run in able-bodied races using his artifical legs: springy, lightweight, J-shaped limbs called “Cheetahs”.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Jamaica's Nesta Carter won the 100m in 10.10 seconds. - Sapa-AFP