Steven Gardiner, of Bahamas (left) reacts as he pulls up injured in a Men's 400-meters semifinal during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Aug 22, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

BUDAPEST - Olympic champion and race favorite Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas pulled up injured in his world championship 400m semi-final on Tuesday and failed to progress to the final.

Gardiner, the 2019 world champion and fastest in the world this year, was well-placed coming off the final bend but stopped, grimacing in pain clutching the back of his leg.

READ MORE: Morocco's El Bakkali retains 3,000m steeplechase world title

Former Olympic and world champion Wayde van Niekerk was the chief beneficiary as he advanced as a fast loser.

READ MORE: American Tausaga wins shock discus gold with personal best

Jamaica's Antonio Watson was the fastest qualifier with a personal best of 44.13, while Briton Matthew Hudson-Smith set a European record of 44.26 winning his heat.