Title-holder Schippers coasts into semis, Bowie withdraws

DEFENDING world champion Dafne Schippers eased into the 200m semi-finals with her morale further boosted by the withdrawal of newly-crowned 100m champion Tori Bowie.

Bowie, who took Olympic bronze in the 200m last year, won the 100m gold with a sensational dip at the line which saw the American tumble to the ground.

The US Athletics Federation confirmed: “Tori Bowie has withdrawn from the 200m as she continues to recover from her fall at the conclusion of the women’s 100m final.

“Her condition will continue to be evaluated to assess her readiness for the 4x100 relay.”

Schippers produced a blistering first 150m coming off the bend several lengths ahead of the rest of the field.

The 25-year-old – who took bronze in the 100m – eased up long before the line to time 22.63.

“The medal in the 100m was a boost for me,” said Schippers.

“I’ve recovered well from the 100m and am really looking forward to this event as it is my favoured one.”

With Bowie gone Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou will also fancy her chances at winning the 200m title as consolation for being edged out of the 100m gold medal by the American.

Ta Lou – diminutive by comparison to Schippers – looked terrific in her heat coasting home to win easily. — AFP