Pearson sublime, Harrison squeaks into final
LONDON: Australian hurdling great Sally Pearson's impressive comeback from two years of injury hell continued Friday as she posted the fastest time in reaching Saturday's 100 metres hurdles world final.
The 30-year-old's sublime run contrasted sharply with America's world record holder Kendra Harrison who squeaked into the final as the slowest of the two fastest losers who qualify.
Harrison -- who was the 1/6 on favourite for the title and had not been beaten in a race since the US Olympic trials last year -- at least made it unlike Jamaica's defending champion Danielle Williams who flopped to finish fifth in her semi.
Pearson looked tense and focused before the race, not acknowledging the crowd when her name was called, but was hugely impressive quickly overhauling early leader Jamaican champion Megan Simmonds and opening a sizeable lead.
The race was over as a contest as Pearson hurdled impeccably to hit the line in 12.53sec a broad grin spreading across her face and then clenched her fists in celebration.
"I haven't come here to come second," said Pearson.
"I'm just happy to be going through the rounds and feeling good; it's a matter of doing it to my own art."
Pearson said that despite suffering a bone explosion in her wrist in 2015 -- which she feared was so bad it would result in having her hand amputated -- and then a hamstring injury last year which robbed her of the chance to defend her Olympic title she had never lost her hunger for the sport.
"I've always loved what I do, and I've always been motivated," she said. - AFP