The Review: Schippers retains but Asher-Smith denied fairy-tale ending

By Sam Tonks

24 hours after the men’s 200m brought the closest race of the IAAF World Athletic Championships so far the women took centre stage tonight as British record holder Dina Asher-Smith competed for a medal.

Yet, it was one race too far for Asher-Smith whose recovery from injury meant to make a final was remarkable enough, and ended with a season’s best 22.22. Dafne Schippers retained her title as Marie Josee Ta Lou picked up another silver and Shaunae Miller-Uibo the bronze.

“I was just so happy to be here, I said just focus on your race and go for it,” said Asher-Smith.

“The crowd were getting louder and louder, it’s my best finish in a world final."

This represented another near miss for Britain, but Asher-Smith was positive about the future for the team.

"Loads of those fourths are so young who have a decade in them, there’s more to come," she said.

It was tough for Team GB in their respective finals, as Lorraine Ugen ended the Long Jump final in fifth, gold went to Britney Reece of USA.

Nick Miller finished sixth in the Hammer throw with Pawel Fajdek of Poland taking a fourth world title in a row.

As for Brits in qualifying action, Chris O’Hare secured a place in Sunday’s 1500m final automatically in his heat. Jake Wightman couldn’t join him, finishing eighth in his race.

“It was a weird race, I didn’t feel great but I’ve got a whole day off now,” said O’Hare.

Lynsey Sharp was controversially disqualified from her 800m semi-final, after setting a time that would’ve secured a fastest loser place for the final, but was later reinstated.

“I can’t remember doing anything, I’d put my hands up and say I did something wrong,” said Sharp.

“I got kicked in the heats, it’s part of athletics, I would’ve dived across the line.”

Team-mates Shelayna Oskan-Clarke and Adelle Tracey exited at this stage, yet the latter recorded a personal best time.

Elsewhere, Kevin Mayer extended his lead in the Decathlon to 57 points. Rico Freimuth has dropped to third with team-mate Kai Kazmirek overtaking him.

The 3,000m Steeplechase gold went to USA’s Emma Coburn, with team-mate Courtney Frerichs taking silver continuing their stellar championships.