World Champion Kerron Clement claims victory in the men's 400m Hurdles (© Getty Images)
That was about as easy as they can come in the ‘man killer’ 400m Hurdles. Without the presence of Bershawn Jackson, the 2005 World champion, Kerron Clement who took that World crown on the next two occasions - Osaka and Berlin - dominated today’s race.
Well away from the gun, the 23-year-old, who took World 4x400m relay gold in Berlin as well as defending his individual one lap success over the barriers, was never troubled.
Clement running in lane four was quickly up on South Africa’s L.J Van Zyl immediately outside him. As the American came off the final bend he had a clear margin over his nearest pursuer, who was by that time this season’s much improved Jamaican Isa Phillips, in lane 3.
However, while Phillips was able to finish second - later to be disqualified (RULE 168.7) after hitting the hurdle of Danny McFarlane in the lane outside him - ahead of an archetypal fast finish by Van Zyl (48.74), the double World champion was away clear crossing in 48.11 sec, so repeating his victory from last year (won with 48.96 in 2008) and taking the $30,000 first prize. This was Clement's fourth fastest run of the season and the overall eleventh equal quickest in the world in 2009.
"I am satisfied, I had a really good race," commented Clement. "I was focussed and I came here in order to keep myself on the top. The atmosphere was great. Now I really want to rest."
Greece's European champion Perikilis Iakovakis was third in 48.90.
Chris Turner for the IAAF
NOTE.
RULE 168.7
Each athlete shall jump each hurdle. Failure to do so will result in a
disqualification.
In addition, an athlete shall be disqualified, if he:
(a) trails his foot or leg below the horizontal plane of the top of
any hurdle at the instant of clearance,
(b) jumps any hurdle not in his own lane, or
(c) in the opinion of the Referee deliberately knocks down any
hurdle.