The 60m indoor world champion Cyréna Samba-Mayela was eliminated from the 100m hurdles series of the World Championships in Eugene (Oregon) on Saturday, a step taken by Laeticia Bapté. Samba-Mayela (21) only finished 4th in her series in 13 sec 15, insufficient time to be picked up on the clock, marking a setback for the sacred indoor hurdler this winter in Belgrade. Fifth in her race in 13 sec 03, Bapté will see the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday at 5:05 p.m. (2:05 a.m. in France), two hours before the final. “With my coach, we said to ourselves “we’re having a go”. Every round is my quote-unquote final. I’m already very happy“, she reacted.
The playoffs had some surprises in store with the eliminations of Americans Alaysha Johnson, 2nd best performer of the season, and Nia Ali, the reigning world champion. Nigerian Tobi Amusan achieved the fastest time in 12 sec 40, a new African record.