Britains Lina Nielsen falls at final barrier as Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone win their races ahead of showdown in final

After the drama of the mens 1500m final at the Paris Olympics there is another classic match-up on the track on Thursday when world record-holder Sydney McLaughlin takes on European record-holder Femke Bol in the womens 400m hurdles.

Unlike the mens metric mile, though, its hard to imagine an upset.

McLaughlin was the fastest of the semi-finalists on Tuesday as she won her race in 52.13. Racing in a separate semi, Bol ran 52.57 looking just as relaxed.

What does Bol expect in the final? I have no idea, she says. I know I will do everything in my power to be at my best. Then well see.

I really have to focus on my own race and I will have to use the sharpness and adrenaline on the day. We will then see where I end up.

At the start of the athletics programme Bol ran a terrific anchor to earn Netherlands gold. Bol said: I had a hard time during the heats, but ever since I just felt like I had to go (for it). Tonight, I was so excited to go for it again, because this is what Ive been waiting for.

Hopefully Ill be able (to show up for the finals) in the best form and shape of my life. Well see in two days time.

Jessie Knight bowed out with 54.90 for sixth in Bols heat and there was a disaster for fellow Brit Lina Nielsen who finished last in her race after hitting the final hurdle badly and falling before getting up to jog in.

Im really disappointed, said Nielsen. I risked it, and the risk didnt pay off today. However, I can be proud that I fought my way to try and get to that final.

On the fall, she added: To be honest, theres no time to think. I saw the last hurdle coming and I was in a lot of pain. Thats the 400m hurdles, its lactic central. And then the next thing I know I was on the floor.

I was just really confused. But I know it happens in the 400m hurdles, its just the nature of the event.

Matt Hudson-Smith breezed into the mens 400m final with an imperious display but GB team-mate Charlie Dobson bowed out in Tuesday nights semi-finals.

Hudson-Smith won his heat in 44.07 and made it look easy as he shut down with 30-40m to go and strolled home, barely breaking stride as he jogged off the track. Mike Norman of the United States finished runner-up in 44.26.

With only the first two in each semi guaranteed to qualify, Dobson was fourth in his race in 44.48 as Quincy Hall of the United States clocked 43.95 to win from Jereem Richards of Jamaica.

Kirani James of Grenada was the other semi winner in 43.78 from Commonwealth champion Muzala Samukonga, who ran a Zambian record of 43.81.