SA WRAP: Tshite takes ninth, Van Niekerk and Dambile progress

South African record holder, Tshepo Tshite, finished ninth in a closely contested men's 1 500m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday.

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Tshite completed the race in 3:35.90, with Isaac Nader of Portugal claiming the gold medal in 3:34.10.

Earlier, Zeney van der Walt settled for seventh place in her 400m hurdles semifinal in 55.06 seconds and did not progress to the final of her specialist event.

There were solid performances produced by Wayde van Niekerk (world 400m record holder) and Sinesipho Dambile in the men's 200m heats.

Van Niekerk, a former World Championships silver medallist over the 200m distance, was second in his first-round race in 20.19, while national champion Dambile ended third in his heat in 20.27.

Both athletes booked their places in the half-lap semifinals to be held on Thursday.

Junior sprinter Naeem Jack would have gained valuable experience from his participation at the global championships, though he finished fifth in his 200m heat in 20.65 and was eliminated.

In the qualifying round of the men's javelin throw, Douw Smit landed his spear at 81.23 metres, taking 18th place overall. He fell 1.57m short of a place in the final.

"The going has been tough for us since Day 1, but we must not lose faith," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa.

"As long as we still have athletes in other events competition for a medal remains the target. We wish them well."

THURSDAY SCHEDULE:

12.58pm – 800m women, heats (Prudence Sekgodiso, Charne du Plessis)

2.02pm – 200m men, semifinals (Sinesipho Dambile, Wayde van Niekerk)

3.10pm – 400m men, final (Zakithi Nene).