As in other first round events of the opening day of competition, no major early departures emerged from the first round of the men's 1500m.
Perhaps according to the pre-race script, world leader Daniel Kipchirchir Komen produced the fastest performance of the night, with a 3:39.64 that was the only sub-3:40 clocking. Komen, still just 21, said there was a good reason for his relatively swift opening round effort.
“After what happened to me in Helsinki last year, when I was eliminated in the heats, I was determined to take the lead and not be boxed in by other runners.”
Spaniard Sergio Gallardo, the 2001 European under-23 champion, notched a season’s best 3:40.04 to finish second. Youssef Baba of Morocco (3:40.31) and American Chris Lukezic (3:40.97) advanced to the semis based on time. For Lukezic, his effort was a personal best.
Ukraine’s Ivan Heshko, the reigning indoor silver medallist, made his 3:41.49 win in the second heat appear remarkably simple after unleashing his trademark strong kick.
“At the beginning of the season, I had problems with my foot, so my preparation was delayed,” Heshko said of the slow start to his season. “It is still not 100 percent, but I think I can fight with the best ones.” Onkware Elkaneh of Kenyan moved on as well after a 3:41.63 runner-up finish, a personal best.
James Nolan of Ireland, European Indoor silver medallist, cruised to a hard fought win in the final heat, his 3:44.67 just edging Moroccan Yassine Bensghir, a former World junior champion.
BR