David Gillick celebrates his 400 metres victory in Birmingham

The Dublin man ran a perfect race, driving for home in the final 50 metres to beat Bastian Swillims of Germany.

Gillick, the first man to retain his crown over the distance since Du'aine Ladejo in 1996, lowered his Irish record to 45.52 seconds.

European Under-23 champion Robert Tobin of Britain held off the challenge of Sweden's Johan Wissman to finish third.

"I knew if I was going to win I had to get myself to the inside at the break. To do that, I had to go out fast at the start," said Gillick.

"Swillims went off so hard that I just had to stay with him and wait. I knew in the last 50 metres I would have him.

"I know I have got to go out and take the race by the scruff of the neck. This season has taught me that I have got the strength to do that."