Affirming his status as this year’s fastest at 60 metres, Justin Gatlin of the US dominated the heats with a 6.53 win in the opening section.
His teammate, Terrance Trammel, was not so fortunate, running 6.77 for a non-qualifying fifth in a heat won by Yeóryion Theodorídis of Greece (6.65). The American complained of a sore hamstring immediately after the race, hoping to get some quick ice treatment and return for the hurdles on Saturday morning.
After Gatlin, the next fastest performance came from Commonwealth 100 metres champion Kim Collins from St. Kitts (6.59), who just pipped Lisbon bronze winner Mark Lewis-Francis of Britain (6.60).
European indoor champion Jason Gardener of the UK (6.61) won his heat in a photo finish with Eric Nkansah of Ghana (6.61), the same time clocked by Hungary’s Gábor Dobos in his heat victory.
Vicente Lenilson de Lima of Brazil became the new South American Record holder with his 6.63 winning time, and Markus Pöyhönen of Finland won the remaining heat in 6.58, equaling his own national record.
