Dayron Robles' appeal turned down

Cuban Dayron Robles has had his appeal against his disqualification from the World Athletics Championships 110m hurdles final turned down.

The Olympic champion made contact with China's Liu Xiang heading over the ninth hurdle but still went on to claim the gold medal.

However, Xiang's team lodged a complaint about the clash and Robles was subsequently stripped of first place and the medal.

The 24-year-old took up his right to protest against the decision but the original verdict stands.

"Robles hit me twice, at the ninth hurdle he pulled at me but I'm sure it wasn't intentional," said Xiang.

"I lost my balance when I came to the 10th hurdle because of the bump. If not for the incident, I would have been the gold medallist."

Xiang finished the race in third but has now taken the silver medal.