Sinclair, McFarlane, Buckley shine

BEIJING:

KENIA Sinclair, Danny McFarlane and Markino Buckley advanced to the finals of their respective events on a packed day of track and field action at the Beijing National Stadium yesterday,

McFarlane and Buckley, both running in semi-final heat two, reached tomorrow's final of the 400 metres after gutsy performances.

Buckley, despite being troubled by a groin injury, recorded his second personal best time of the Games, clocking 48.50 for third in the second semi-final won in 48.27 by American Kerron Clement. McFarlane was second in 48.33.

In the opening semi-final, the American duo of Angelo Taylor, the 2000 Olympic champion, and Bershawn Jackson finished one-two in season best times of 47.94 and 48.02.

Season best

Sinclair placed fourth in her semi-final but advanced as one of the two fastest losers.

The national record holder ran her heart out to post a season best 1:58.28 for fourth spot in the third of three semi-final heats.

The heat was captured in a fast 1:57.28 by Kenya's Janeth Jepkosgei.

The first semi-final went to Russia's Svetlana Klyuka in 1:58.31, while the second was won by another Kenyan, favourite Pamela Jelimo in 1:57.31.

Long jumper Herbert McGregor and shot putter Zara Northover both failed to advance past the qualifying stage of their events.

In the women's shot put, Northover had a best of 15.85m which was only good enough for 16th in qualifying Group B. New Zealand's Valerie Vili won the gold medal with a throw of 20.56m.

McGregor placed 15th with 7.94m in Group B of long jump qualifying with a best of 7.64m. The men's long jump final is scheduled for tomorrow.

National champion Rosemarie Whyte, Novlene Williams-Mills and Shericka Williams all advanced to the second round of the 400m. All three won their heats.

Whyte took heat one in 51.00, Williams-Mills captured heat six in 51.52 and Williams, heat seven in a brisk 50.57.

The fastest qualifier was American gold medal favourite Sanya Richards, winner of heat five in 50.54.

- Elton Tucker