GB's Azu fourth at World Indoors in 'one of best 60m races of all time'
The 24-year-old always faced fierce competition as he sought to defend his title but displayed his medal credentials by improving his personal best to 6. 45 in the semi-finals - a time which moved him to second on the British all-time list behind Dwain Chambers. But American Jordan Anthony, who arrived at the championships as the fastest man this year, ran the joint-fourth fastest time in history as he improved to 6.
41 to take gold ahead of Jamaica's Olympic and world 100m medallist Kishane Thompson. Thompson and American Trayvon Bromell both finished in 6. 45 to complete the podium and deny Azu in a thrilling conclusion to the opening day of action.
"They didn't let us down. These guys did what we expected them to do," two-time world 110m hurdles champion Colin Jackson said on BBC TV. "An electric performance - we've witnessed one of the best 60m races of all time so that's a very special thing in itself, and Jeremiah Azu was in the mix.
"Azu got out very sharp - he's one of the fastest starters in the world - but Anthony was out a little bit ahead and did what was necessary. " Azu told BBC Sport: "It's tough. I was very vocal about defending that [title] and I fell short.
"It's track and field - you win some you lose some. I'm still able to use this gift to try and inspire people. But it's tough to take right now.