BEIJING, China – Stephenie Ann McPherson cruised to an easy victory in her 400 metres heat here at the 15th World Championships on Monday.
McPherson cruised into the lead at the 200 metres mark and entered the home stretch comfortable in front before getting a minor challenge from Phyllis Francis of the United States of America. Francis then shut it down after McPherson quickened her pace.
McPherson won in 50.34 seconds with Francis doing 50.52 with Nadezhda Kotlyarova of Russia with 51.42 getting the other automatic spot.
Miller ahead of Williams-Mills
Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller defeated Jamaica’s Novlene Williams-Mills to capture heat 6.
Miller clocked 50.53 seconds with Mills doing 51.07. Ekaterina Renzhina of Russia was the third automatic qualifier with 51.55
Day wins easily
Jamaica’s Christine Day easily won her 400 metres heat (3) to advance to the semifinals.
Day finished in 50.59 seconds as she covered her opponents by the 300 entre the homestretch with a commanding lead and then just maintained her form to win. Joyce Zakary of Kenya was second in 50.71 as Kabange Mupopo of Zambia third in 51.55.
"I am really looking forward to the semi-finals," said Day.
Jackson second in heat
Shericka Jackson also advanced to the semifinals of the 400 metres as she finished second in her heat (5).
Jackson led for most of the event, before being passed about five metres from the finish by Bianca Razor of Romania, who won in 50.37 seconds, as Jackson finished in 50.41. Patience Okon George of Nigeria was third in 50.87.
"I did what my coach told me, but I struggled a bit in the last 200 metres," said Jackson.
