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News14 Mar 2003


Men 200 metre heats

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Defending champion Shawn Crawford of the US took the first step toward another gold medal with a 20.69 timing in the heats, the fastest of the morning. 

The American’s time was answered with splendid wins by Matic Osovnikar of Slovenia (20.77), Britain’s Marlon Devonish (20.78) and Marco Torrieri of Italy (20.78) in other sections. 

Joseph Batangdon of Cameroon (20.95) and Dominic Demeritte of Bahamas (21.00) were the remaining heat winners.  With 20.90, Bobby Williams of the US—a late replacement for world-leader John Capel—also stayed alive with his second-place finish.   

The biggest casualty of the first round was Leslie Djhone, who was considered to be a strong medal candidate.  The French sprinter failed to advance after running only third in his heat with 20.95.  He was edged out by Holland’s Patrick van Balkom (20.91) in the race won by Osovnikar.

The semifinals will be contested later this afternoon. 

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