Dominique Arnold (USA) rebounded from a small slip a few steps out of the blocks en route to a 7.55 win in a close third heat, the swiftest performance to emerge from a trio of fiercely-fought semi-final races.
Arnold, fourth at last summer’s World championships in Helsinki, barely edged Cuban teen sensation Robles Dayron (7.56). Stanislavs Olijars of Latvia qualified for his fourth consecutive World Indoor final after lowering his season’s best to 7.57. Paulo Villar of Colombia continued his hot weekend, lowering the national record for the second time today, this time to 7.61 to move on as well.
Defending bronze medallist Maurice Wignall (JAM) produced the most dominating performance of the round with his 7.58 win, well ahead of Cuban Yoel Hernandez’s 7.64 season’s best. Aware of his sizable margin, the 29-year-old Wignall eased considerably as he sailed over the final hurdle.
About ten minutes prior to the victory ceremony for the men’s 60 metres, Terrence Trammell continued his quest to reserve an appointment for a second podium appearance in Moscow after his win in Semi-final heat 2. Trammell, who raced to the bronze medal in last night’s 60m, eased up considerably over the final hurdle but still managed to win in 7.57, edging German Thomas Blaschek’s personal best 7.58. Shi Dongpeng of China lowered his personal best to 7.65, but didn’t advance.
BR
