Sebrle makes indifferent start

World decathlon record holder Roman Sebrle made an indifferent start to his quest for a first world title on Tuesday. Czech Sebrle, the first decathlete to break 9,000 points, got nowhere near his personal bests in the first three of 10 track and field events.

After the 100 metres, the long jump and the shot put, the 28-year-old Olympic silver medallist was fourth overall on 2,650 points, 103 points off the pace.

American Bryan Clay topped the table on 2,753 points with Kazakhstan8217;s Dmitry Karpov a close second overall on 2,742.

World indoor heptathlon champion Tom Pappas also started well, collecting 2,729 points for third place.

The American is the second best performer of the year for the decathlon behind Sebrle and a top contender for the gold medal here.