Tokyo – Algerian runners Djamel Sedjati and Slimane Moula booked their spots in the semifinals of the 800m event at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (September 13–22), after both secured second place in their respective heats on Tuesday.
Sedjati had little difficulty advancing from the first qualifying heat, finishing second with a time of 1:45.01, just behind Spain’s David Barroso, who clocked 1:44.94. He edged out Botswana’s Kethobogile Hangora, who finished third in 1:45.02.
His compatriot Slimane Moula also delivered a strong performance, claiming second place in the seventh and final heat with a time of 1:44.77. He was narrowly beaten by American Donavan Brazier at 1:44.66 but finished ahead of Croatia’s Marin Blodac, who came third in 1:44.78.
Meanwhile, fellow Algerian Mohamed Ali Gouaned failed to advance, placing fifth in his heat with a time of 1:45.49. The race was won by Kenyan Emmanuel Wanyonyi in 1:45.05, followed by Italy’s Francesco Pernici (1:45.11) and Ireland’s Mark English (1:45.13).
According to the competition rules, the top three from each of the seven heats automatically qualified, along with the next three fastest times across all groups.
The semifinals are scheduled for Thursday at 5:45 a.m. (Algeria time), while the final will take place on Saturday at 6:22 a.m. (Algeria time).
Would you like me to also prepare a profile piece highlighting Algeria’s rising dominance in middle-distance running on the international stage?
