Exciting clash expected in men’s 400m final

André Lowe: The men’s 400m is an interesting one to look forward to – two Jamaicans, and a lot of Caribbean interest in an event that’s shaping up to bring us another close finish in Doha.

Raymond Graham: Wow! Things have really changed as the massive favourite coming into the Championships is out of the final and the stage is now set for an epic affair.

AL: It’s very strange what took place with Michael Norman. Word is that he has a hamstring issue, but who knows? Norman or not, we still have some excellent athletes in the final, and we are sure to get a really good race out of this one.

RG: Yes, it is going to be a good one, and I am so happy that we have five from the Caribbean in the final who can all be in the mix. As a matter of fact, the three medallists could come from this group.

AL: Nobody is beating the Bahamian Steven Gardiner. He is in the best shape of all the finalists and looks good for gold here. I like Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Cedenio, who looks like he can deliver a 43.9 seconds in the final, which could push American Fred Kerley into bronze.

RG: With Norman out, Kerley will carry the American hope here and will even be more motivated now to win the event.

He does have an outstanding chance as he is the only man to have beaten Norman this year and could go all the way. I like his chances here, but I am looking elsewhere, not at your choice, as I liked how Kirani James looked in both rounds so far.

AL: I expect Kerley to go a bit too hard in the first 250m and fade a bit going home, finishing second. Gardiner will stay close and take charge at the top of the final bend, with Cedenio also testing the American but falling just short into third place. James has looked good, and his comeback is an amazing story in itself already and will be an even greater story with a win or a medal. However, I believe his race rust will take its toll at this stage.

RG: Rust? He has been preparing for this and has looked real smart in both races and his confidence is really high now. I will go out on a limb and give him the slight edge over Gardiner, with Kerley to hold on for bronze. Running from the inside lanes, it will be rough for both Jamaicans, especially Bloomfield, who will be running out of the dreaded lane two.

AL: It’s good that both Demish Gaye and Akeem Bloomfield will compete in the final. It will be a good platform for both, and we expect them to benefit from the experience, but these guys are a level above them both at this point.