By Neil Silver, PA Sport, Paris

Chris Rawlinson is hoping the omens point towards him winning a World Championship medal in the 400 metres hurdles on Friday night.

Britain's Commonwealth champion believes the Stade de France is a lucky track for him and after another season marred by injury he is aiming to prove that by finishing in the top three in the final.

"I have raced on this track only four times, in two Golden Leagues and the two heats this week, and I have finished second every time," said Rawlinson. "I am hoping that's a good omen for Friday night because this track has done me well up to now.

"I have had a shocking preparation yet again with injury and it seems that somebody doesn't want me to achieve something on the world stage, but I know I am as good as any of these athletes and I need to make sure I am in the race when it gets to the last 100 metres because that is where I am really strong.

"A week and a half ago I didn't think I would be running here but now I am back in the top eight in the world again and it's make or break - I am going for gold from the gun because that's the only way I am going to win a medal."

While Rawlinson qualified by finishing second in his semi-final, team-mate Anthony Borsumato crashed out when he clattered into one of the hurdles and suffered a suspected sprained ankle.