Roach, Clarke into 60m semis

Birmingham, England:

Jamaican sprinters Kimmari Roach and Everton Clarke advanced to today’s semifinals of the men’s 60m event at the IAAF World Indoor Championships, here at the Arena Birmingham.

Roach secured his spot after finishing third in heat two in 6.71 seconds. The 27-year-old Roach had to come from the back of the field, after recovering from a poor start.

The event was won by China’s Su Bingtian in 6.59 second, while second went to Warren Fraser of The Bahamas in 6.71 seconds.

Roach, who is fastest Jamaican in the event this year, was somewhat pleased with his performance. 

"I am feeling good that I am in the semifinals,” said Roach. "However, my start was bad because I got a bit cold, but come the semifinals it will be much better,” he said.  

Like Roach, Clarke also recovered from a poor start to finish third in heat six, in 6.70 seconds.

The race was won by the Ivory Coast’s Ben Youssef Meite in 6.63 seconds, while second went to Remigiusz Olszewski of Poland, in 6.65 seconds.

“It was a poor start but I made it through to the next round, so I will have some things to correct,” said Clarke.

“It is always a great thing to represent my country and I made the semifinals, so it is a good feeling,” said Clarke.

Both sprinters are coached by Maurice Wilson at the Sprintec Track Club.