World Championship 400m silver medallist Kirani James was forced to settle for the runner-up spot at the Gala dei Castelli in, Switzerland, on Monday, behind world record holder Wayde Van Niekerk of South Africa who has continued to blaze a trail of resurgence.

In what is expected to be the final race of his season, the Grenadian clocked 44.38, the same time as Van Niekerk, as the two battled all the way to the line and had to be separated by a photo finish.   Another South African Zakhiti Nene was third in 45.75.

The time was the second fastest clocked by the athlete this season, behind the 44.26 recorded to win the Diamond League final in Zürich last week.  For his part, Van Niekerk also impressive when he clocked a season-best 44.39 in the pre-program.