Kenyan Duo Struggle, Hudson-Smith Survives Scare as Patterson, Nene Dominate Tokyo World Championships 400m Heats

Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith will have a chance to redeem himself in the semi-finals of the 400 meter event on Tuesday after he survived a scare to qualify as one of the six best losers following an underwhelming heat at the ongoing Tokyo World Championships on Sunday.

Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori dominated Heat 2 with a composed 44.36s, the second-fastest overall time. Japan’s Yuki Joseph Nakajima thrilled home fans with a national record 44.44s, while Bovel McPherson (JAM) ran a personal best 44.51s to advance. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Hudson-Smith (GBR) survived a scare, finishing fourth in that heat after posting a 44.68s, but still managed to sail through as one of the fastest qualifiers.

Veteran Jereem Richards (TTO) held off challengers in Heat 1 to win in 44.64s, ahead of South Africa’s Lythe Pillay with a season’s best 44.73s, and Britain’s Charles Dobson in 44.85s. 

Japan’s Fuga Sato and Belgium’s Daniel Segers posted sub-45.20 times but must await confirmation of progression.

In Heat 5, South Africa’s Zakithi Nene stormed to victory in 44.34, with American veteran Vernon Norwood close behind at 44.55. 

Hungary’s Attila Molnár matched Norwood’s time in 44.55, setting a new national record and advancing automatically. Qatar’s Ammar Ismail Yahia Ibrahim ran a personal best of 44.63, narrowly missing out on the top three but staying in contention for qualification via time.

The final contest, Heat 6, was a thriller as Khaleb McRae (USA) produced a commanding finish to win in 44.25. Botswana’s Lee Bhekempilo Eppie ran strongly for second in 44.44, while Olympic champion Kirani James (GRN) eased through in third with 44.66. Jamaica’s Delano Kennedy set a personal best of 44.74, showing he is one to watch heading into the next round.

Meanwhile, It was disappointment, however, for the Kenyan trio: Brian Onyari Tinega (45.13s), George Mutinda (45.07s), and Samuel Ogazi (45.97s), all of whom struggled in their respective heats in a field where breaking 45 seconds is increasingly the benchmark for survival.

With Patterson’s 43.90s setting a blistering tone, Ndori, Richards, McDonald, and Nakajima all looking sharp, and Hudson-Smith clinging on, the semi-finals are primed for a showdown where every lane will be fiercely contested.