Patterson and Keane earn progress

DAVICIA PATTERSON and Jo Keane made it a promising first day for the Irish at the IAAF World U-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, yesterday.

Patterson powered to automatic qualification after finishing second in her 400m heat in 53.20, the second fastest time of her career. The race was won by American Taylor Manson in 52.68.

“It was hard being in lane eight because I didn’t know who was coming up so I tried to cruise until 300, then I saw two girls come up so the last 100 I gave it everything,” said Patterson (above), who will race the semifinals at 4:41pm Irish time today. “I’m taking it each round as it goes and if I make the final it’s a bonus. Anything can happen on the day.” No such joy for her team-mate Ciara Deely, who narrowly missed out on the semifinal after finishing sixth in her heat in 54.69. Earlier in the day, however, Ennis athlete Jo Keane qualified for the 800m semi-final after finishing seventh in her heat in 2:09.59, which was quick enough to advance on time.

“It was a tough race, but I’m through,” she said. “It’s my first championships and it’s exciting, so it’s time to go out and give it my all tomorrow.”