Thomas Barr has finished in third place in the 400m hurdles at the Qatar Athletic Super Grand Prix in Doha.
Barr, drawn in lane seven, clocked 48.99 seconds on his debut in the Diamond League as Bershawn Jackson of the United States triumphed in 48.09 - the fastest time recorded in the world this year.
Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson, a bronze medallist at London 2012, edged out the Waterford athlete for second spot by just three hundredths of a second.
Barr’s performance at such an early stage of the season bodes well for the remainder of his campaign, which will have its ultimate focus on the World Championships in Beijing in August.
United States sprinter Justin Gatlin also registered a world-leading time in 2015 of 9.74 as he set a new personal best in the 100m.
The 33-year-old, who has served time for doping offences, edged out compatriot Michael Rodgers, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Keston Bledman back in third.
Quick conditions in Qatar allowed Allyson Felix to set a world-leading time of 21.98 in the 200m, while Jasmin Stowers did with same in the 100m hurdles after crossing the line in 12.35.
