Grant Sheldon, the Scottish triathlete, has overtaken the Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee in the world triathlon rankings after a sparkling showing at the World Series stop in Yokohama.

The 19-year-old from Hamilton threatened the leaders in only his second outing on the global circuit before slipping back to 13th place on the run leg. But Sheldon, now a surefire selection for the Commonwealth Games, has rocketed up to 14th in the standings, two spots above his British rival Brownlee, who could finish only fourth as Spain's Javier Gomez claimed victory

"It was a solid result," Sheldon said. "I just need to carry on building throughout the season now." Sheldon's training partner Marc Austin was 45th on his comeback after injury while fellow Scot Natalie Milne was 41st in the women's race with Gwen Jorgensen of the USA taking victory.