Elmira Alembekova, of Russia, kept up a national tradition when she strode to victory in the 20km walk at the European Champion-ships in Zurich, yesterday.

Under a sunny sky, Alembekova finished in 1:27.56, ahead of Ukraine’s Lyudmila Olyanoska (1:28.07) and young Czech Anezka Drahotova (1:28.08).

Russia had suffered a setback to their title hopes earlier in the week when race favourite Anisya Kirdyapkina was ruled out after being taken to hospital suffering from a bout of fever.

It was a second bitter blow after Olympic champion Elena Lashmanova was suspended for two years for doping.

Eilidh Child looks well placed to go one better than her Commonwealth Games silver, having yet again bossed the 400 metres hurdles field in qualifying, yesterday.

Child crossed the line in 54.71 seconds and clearly had more left in the tank, cruising to the line with victory already assured.

In the evening, the ever-impressive Adam Gemili did not disappoint in the 200m semi-finals, with the British sprinter qualifying quicker than any of his rivals for the European crown.

Two weeks on from winning silver over half that distance at the Commonwealths, the 20-year-old is on course to add another medal to his collection.

The Londoner crossed the line in 20.23 seconds and looked well capable of going even quicker in search of a podium finish.