DAI Greene's bid for Olympic gold ended in disappointment as he had to settle for an agonising fourth place in the 400 metres final tonight.

The Welshman, the world champion, was never in the race running from lane three and, although he finished strongly, was not able to make up the ground he lost in the first half of the race.

He finished in 48.24 seconds, 0.14secs off a medal Felix Sanchez, the 34-year-old from the Dominican Republic, took gold eight years after winning the title in 2004 in 47.63s.

American Michael Tinsley took the silver in 47.91, a personal best, while favourite Javier Culson of Puerto Rico was third.

Victory was always going to be a tall order for Britain's athletics team captain after he only scrapped into the final as a fastest loser.

The 26-year-old admitted he had been disgusted with his semi-final showing, saying he was determined to make amends in the final, and at least produced a better run.

His season has not gone smoothly, with knee surgery in the winter and then a virus hampering his preparation.