First world record broken
2005-08-07 16:44
Helsinki, Finland - Ivanova of Russia set the first world record of the world athletics championships on Sunday, clinching $160 000 to win the 20km walk.
Justin Gatlin has said he is also ready to break the world record in the 100m to add the world title to his Olympic gold.
In a thrilling heptathlon, Olympic champion Carolina Kluft clawed into the lead early on Sunday, beating rival Eunice Barber with only the 800 to go.
Former world record-holder and Olympic champion Stacy Dragila was the biggest name casualty as the American failed to make the women's pole vault final here at the World Athletics Championships on Sunday.
The 34-year-old was unconvincing from the start of qualifying - twice going to the last vault to clear 4.30m and 4.40m before failing to clear 4.45m, way below her personal best of 4.83m set last year.
It is the latest big competition misfortune to hit the so-called "chick with the stick", who used to lift haybales in her home state of Kansas as a form of weight training.
The two-time world champion also failed to make it to the Olympic final last year.
Ivanova dominated the walk from start to finish, and even had time to wrap herself in a Russian flag before crossing the line in 1 hour, 25 minutes, 41 seconds. It beat the old mark set two years ago by 41 seconds.
Gatlin cruised through opening heat
"I expected it. Everything went according to plan," said Ivanova, who will get $60 000 for gold and $100 000 for the record.
Gatlin cruised through the opening heat and 100m quarter-finals on Saturday and is full of confidence ahead of Sunday's semi-finals and final, traditionally the highlight of the championships.
Gatlin's career best is 9.85 seconds, which he clocked to win gold at the Olympics. The target is Asafa Powell's world record of 9.77, set earlier this year. The Jamaican failed to make it to Helsinki because of a groin injury.
Darrel Brown of Trinidad and Tobago had the top time of 10.10 on Saturday, but continuing blustery conditions and the possibility of rain could wreak havoc with any plans for a fast time.
In the opening round for the women, favorites Christine Arron and Chandra Sturrup both clocked 11.15 for the fastest time. France's Arron is still unbeaten in the Golden League this year but Sturrup has the fastest time.
After a mediocre season, Olympic champion Yuliya Nesterenko is seeking to peak in Helsinki. She qualified second in the same heat as Arron.
- AP