Our talented champion Musaab Abdulrahman Balla did not let Qatari athletics or 800m fans down, deservedly booking his place in the semi-final in a heat that included giant David Rudisha, who set the event’s world record at the London 2012 Olympics in the summer of that year. Musaab succeeded in reaching the semi-final after changing his pace and race tactics for the final metres, alongside his start and focus during the race, securing himself a place among the big names in today’s semi-final. Musaab clocked 1:48.59 and finished third in his heat, led by Kenyan giant David Rudisha.
This race also saw the first appearance of promising runner Jamal Hairan, who was able to compete in the first 400m of the race, but lack of experience worked against him, and he did not manage to qualify, though he gained valuable experience. Hairan clocked 1:48.96 in the race and competed in the second heat, led by the dangerous and experienced Mohamed Aman, who qualified for the semi-final in fine style.
A spectacular opening for the World Championships
