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Eugene (United States) (AFP) – Newly-crowned 100m champion Fred Kerley noticed his hopes of a world dash double go up in smoke Tuesday as he didn’t advance from the semi-finals of the 200m.
Kerley set off positive from the blocks however was left grimacing as he hit the house straight at Eugene’s Hayward Discipline, finally ending sixth in 20.68 seconds.
Kerley later stated he had cramped up within the later phases of the race, however insisted he could be match to race within the relays.
“Little bit of cramp, nevertheless it’s all good,” Kerley stated. “I am not in ache, I will be good.”
With Kerley hobbling over the road, the warmth was received by the Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando in 19.91sec. Liberia’s Joseph Fahnbulleh was second in 19.92sec.
Whereas Kerley was left digesting a disappointing early exit, there have been no such worries for defending 200m world champion Noah Lyles, who romped house in his semi-final with a blistering 19.62sec.
The charismatic American star crossed forward of team-mate Kenny Bednarek, the Olympic silver medallist, who was second in a season-best 19.84sec.
Lyles’s victory was by no means unsure after an outstanding first 100m on the curve that left his rivals trailing.
“It is about time, that is what I have been on the lookout for for a number of weeks now,” stated Lyles of his quick begin.
“Not a shock for me however I am fairly positive it was shock for my rivals.”
The primary risk to Lyles’ hopes of retaining his 200m world title might properly come from team-mate and rising rival Erriyon Knighton.
The 18-year-old prodigy blazed house within the third semi-final in a time of 19.77sec — a brand new world under-20 document.
Canada’s Aaron Brown completed second behind Knighton in 20.10sec.
Knighton moved effortlessly via the gears to steer coming off the bend after which eased up properly earlier than the end line to guide his place within the remaining.
“I all the time get out quick, possibly that was about 70 % on the again stretch,” Knighton stated afterwards.
The lads’s 200m remaining takes place on Thursday.
© 2022 AFP
