WRITTEN FOR THE IAAF WEBSITE
The women’s 60m finalists were decided in three thrilling semi final heats this evening, with two-time silver medalist Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast storming to a scorching 7.01 world lead in the process.
With a lightning fast start, the 30-year-old world outdoor 100m fourth-placer sped to an eye-catching victory in the first semi final, ahead of Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson – the Olympic 100m and 200m champion took her speed up a gear from the first round with a swift 7.07 clocking.
The second semi final was taken comfortably by Ahoure’s team-mate, Marie-Josee Ta Lou – who registered 7.08, the world outdoor 100m and 200m silver medalist qualifying as third-fastest for the final.
The Netherlands’ two-time world outdoor 200m champion, Dafne Schippers finished third in the first semi final behind Ahoure and Thompson, but her 7.19 clocking was enough for the 2016 runner-up to further progress.
European 100m bronze medalist, Mujinja Kambundji of Switzerland claimed the third semi final race with 7.10, whilst Trinidad and Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye and Remona Burchell of Jamaica tied with 7.15 to share the second automatic qualification spot adrift.
The eighth qualification place was surprisingly taken by France’s Carolle Zahi in 7.17, hours after speeding to a 7.11 lifetime best in the first round.
Those who missed out on a final placing include the USA’s Javianne Oliver (7.10), two-time fourth placer, Asha Philip of Great Britain (7.13), Tatjana Pinto of Germany (7.18), Poland’s Ewa Swoboda (7.25) and Carina Horn of South Africa (7.18)
Meanwhile, despite also missing out, Anna Kielbasinska of Poland replicated her 7.23 lifetime best from the first round and Great Britain’s Bianca Williams clocked a 7.26 personal best.
