Olu Fasuba is beginning to like the Valencia track.
The 23-year-old Nigerian equalled his own world leading 6.51 – a time he produced at this venue a month ago - to easily take the third of three semi-finals in the 60m. And he did so easing up considerably with his final four strides, suggesting that his 6.49 career best set one year ago could be under considerable threat.
Well behind Fasuba, Russian Andrey Yepishin advanced easily as well clocking a season’s best 6.60.
U.S. champion Michael Rodgers took the second semi, equalling his own career best of 6.54. But it was marginally closer than Fasuba’s dominating performance in his heat, with Brazil’s Vicente de Lima second in 6.59 and Kim Collins third (6.61). Briton Simeon Williamson finished fourth in 6.63 and moved on as the slowest qualifier.
Dwain Chambers powered to an easy victory in the first semi in 6.55, equalling his PB set eight years ago. Nigerian Isaac Uche was a full 0.10 back in 6.65, but moved on as well.
The final is scheduled for 20:45, capping Day One.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
