The British sprint relay quartet were left cursing their changeover technique for the second consecutive major championship after failing to qualify for the semi-final of the 4x100m relay.

The US team, however, were reinstated after they lodged an appeal over their disqualification for running out of lane.

Lead-off man Jon Drummond had stepped over the line after injuring his thigh towards the end of his leg, but it was decided he gained no advantage from the error.

"The track referee looked at the video of the race and decided that Drummond only ran on the line because of his injury," a spokesman for the world governing body said.

"Therefore, in the spirit of fairplay, it was decided that it was only right to reinstate the United States team."

Drummond reacted with disbelief when he learned of the disqualification.

"That's what you call adding insult to injury," Drummon said.

"My wife called me on my cell phone and told me. My reaction was to get the heck out of here.

"All I can say is that it's a part of the game. I had put my heart on the line."

For the British team it was a repeat of their Olympic nightmare, as Christian Malcolm and Jon Barbour failed to complete the final baton exchange when in total control of their heat.