By Ian Gordon, PA Sport, Paris

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Steve Backley's hopes of finally landing World Championship gold were left in tatters after he failed to qualify for the final rounds of the javelin in Paris on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, twice a silver-medallist, was ninth overall after his first three throws and missed out by 21 centimetres with only the top eight continuing.

Backley, who had been left sweating on making the final at the Stade de France after a below par display in qualifying last Friday, again could not find his true form.

This was Backley's last chance of winning the title that has proved so elusive as he plans on quitting after next year's Olympics where he will be searching for his first Games gold.

The four-time European champion's best effort of 80.13 metres with his third throw was not enough to dislodge Germany's Peter Blank from eighth spot.

It was also another blow to Britain's hopes of adding to their meagre medal tally on the final day of the championships.