Ireland's Karen Shinkins produced a very encouraging performance to take second place in the 400 metres at the IAAF Doha Grand Prix meeting.

Shinkins clocked 51.48 seconds - only .41 outside her personal best set in 1999.

This year's European Indoor bronze medallist finished well-ahead of Britain's Catherine Murphy who could only finish seventh in 53.05.

Murphy came into the race after having produced several recent impressive performances including her victory at the Australian Championships.

Victory in a time of 50.82 seconds went to Christine Amertil of the Bahamas.

Mireille Nguimgo from the Cameroons finished third in 51.96 seconds.

Britain's European 100 metres champion Darren Campbell finished a disappointing sixth in the sprint in 10.34 seconds.

Victory went to Bernard Williams in 10.08 seconds ahead of fellow Americans Jon Drummond and Joshua Johnson, who clocked 10.14 seconds and 10.15 seconds.