DAEGU, South Korea - Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius failed to qualify for the 400-metre final at the world championships on Monday.

The South African finished last in his semifinal heat in 46.19 seconds at Daegu Stadium.

Pistorius, who had his legs amputated when he was a baby and runs on carbon-fibre blades, was competing against able-bodies athletes at a major championships for the first time.

He is also expected to run the leadoff leg of South Africa's 4x400 relay team next weekend.