Beijing: Two-time Asian Championships gold medallist Vikas Gowda expectedly reached the discus throw final with a best attempt of 63.86 metres in the qualifiers at the World Athletics Championships here on Thursday. The 32-year-old’s first throw of 63.86m proved to be his best, making him easily eligible for the summit clash which will be held at the iconic Bird’s Nest on Saturday. Taking part in Group A of the qualifiers, Gowda threw 63.84m in his second attempt, 0.02m short of the first, while his third opportunity was disqualified. Jamaica’s Fedrick Dacres topped the qualification with a throw of 65.77m which he achieved on his first attempt.
Seven discus throwers qualified for the final from Group A while five from Group B out of a total of 31 participants. Overall, reigning Commonwealth Games champion Gowda ranked seventh. Gowda’s personal best throw of 66.28m is also the Indian national record which he achieved in 2012 at Norman, United States. Gowda was the only Indian in action on Thursday at the world meet.
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