Sporting's 400-metre runner broke a record that had stood for 25 years in the Kazakh capital at the first gold-level World Athletics meeting of the season. The previous mark, set in 1998 and held by Carmo Tavares, was 52.77.

The main race was won by Cátia Azevedo, who was followed on the podium by Stephanie Anne McPherson of Jamaica (54.66) and Sophie Becker of Ireland (53.19).

In the men's 400 metres, Ericsson Tavares of Benfica finished second in 46.95 seconds, while Inaki Canal of Spain took first place with 46.36.

Three Benfica athletes competed in the first series of the 60-metre hurdles: Roger Iribarne of Cuba finished fourth in 7.80 seconds, João Vítor Oliveira finished fifth in 7.83 seconds, and Sisínio Ambriz finished seventh in 7.98 seconds.

Francisco Belo of Benfica finished fourth in the weight throw after throwing 19.75 metres on his third try. Scott Lincoln of Britain won with a throw of 20.81 metres.

Author

A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn