Nene powers into 400m final at World Champs as favourites falter

ZAKITHI Nene stormed into the final of the men’s 400m on Day 4 of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday, the South African one-lap star maintaining his composure after two restarts, but compatriot Lythe Pillay failed to advance to Thursday’s decider.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Nene looked relaxed before and during the first semifinal, which he won in a fast time of 44:20, despite coasting over the final 100m. Lee Bhekempilo Eppie of Botswana finished in second ina time of 44.51.

Pillay, the reigning World University Games champion, could only manage sixth place in the second semifinal in a time of 44.82. Young Collen Kebinat-shipi of Botswana was the surprise winner in a remarkable time of 43.61while pre-championship favourite Jaccori Patterson of the US faded badly to finish fourth, and only advanced on time. The 21-year-old eclipsed Nene’s previous world lead of 43.76.