Jessica pipped but 'all smiles'

missing out on a World Championship heptathlon medal.

Ennis smashed her personal best but paid the price for a lacklustre shot and long jump as British team-mate Kelly Sotherton finished just 41 points ahead in bronze.

"To finish fourth and get a personal best in my first World Championships, I'm really pleased," said Ennis, from Nether Edge.

"It's been an amazing season, I can't really put it into words. I'm glad it's over now so I can have a break and then concentrate on the Olympics.

"I'm still regretting my shot a little bit. If I'd been nearer my PB I'd have been in the mix for a medal. That's just the way it goes sometimes in championships and I'm not going to dwell on it.

"I never thought I'd achieve what I have this season but the challenge now is to improve again for Olympic year."

Ennis started the day in fourth but seemed off colour in the long jump. Her best effort of 6.33 metres was 7cm down on the personal best she set earlier this year.

A solid if unspectacular 37.38m effort in the javelin kept her in the medal mix and despite beating Sotherton to the line in the 800m, her team-mate's points advantage was too great.

"I'm delighted for Kelly. Her javelin wasn't amazing but she showed character to bounce back and win a medal," added Ennis.

"I've still got lots to work on. The shot obviously needs some attention and I need to find some consistency with my long jump. I threw a PB in the javelin and its inching up there towards respectability but it still needs a lot work."

Sweden's Carolina Kluft defended her title while Ukrainian Lyudmila Blonska took silver.

Sotherton arrived in Osaka overshadowed by her younger team-mate, who had stolen her British number one crown this season.

Since her bronze in Athens three years ago, the 30-year old has struggled with her form at major events.

She admitted this may be her last World Championships but is convinced the future is bright for British heptathlon.

"I'm delighted for Jessica - she's had an amazing season," said Sotherton.

"She's got pure guts and she fights for everything, which is what you need in heptathlon.

"Don't put too much pressure on her and let her improve. She's a great talent with a really exciting future."

Marlon Devonish delivered on his promise to reach the men's 100m final but could only finish sixth. Tyson Gay stormed to gold but his prediction of a world record never materialised.

Meanwhile, Hallamshire Harrier Hatti Dean failed to advance to the women's 3000m steeplechase final - despite a brave effort in searing temperatures.

The 25-year old, making her World Championship debut, was fifth in her heat in 9:43.23 and it left her fourth fastest loser, just one place shy of qualification for Monday's final.

"I just thought that if I didn't go for it I would regret it," said Dean. "I know I did the right thing going out fast as the first heat is often the slowest. But I went out like I knew I had to and did my best."

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