Bucher qualifies for Edmonton final

Bucher on his way to win the 800m semi-finals in Edmonton Keystone

Switzerland's André Bucher is through to the 800-metre final at the world athletics championships in Edmonton, Canada. The Swiss athlete won his semi-final on Sunday with a time of one minute 44.47 seconds.

At the start of the race, Bucher stayed in third position, keeping a check on the other runners. But at the 500-metre mark, the 25-year-old picked up the pace to leave his opponents in his wake.

Over the last 100 metres, Bucher just controlled the race, easily winning his semi-final. “I felt really good from the start of the race, and I tried to avoid getting jostled,” said the Swiss athlete.

“During the home stretch, I just kept an eye on my opponents. Given these conditions, I’m pleasantly surprised to go under one minute 45 seconds.”

Germany’s Nils Schumann is expected to be Bucher’s main rival in the final on Wednesday. The Olympic champion finished third in the other semi-final, showing an impressive turn of speed over the last metres.

Switzerland’s other middle-distance hope, Sabine Fischer, fared less well in her 1,500-metre semi-final. She came in seventh, with only the first six going through.

Fischer was a frontrunner during her race, and was still in second position as the runners entered their final lap. But she lacked the strength needed to hold off the opposition, perhaps paying the penalty for the stress fracture she suffered a few weeks ago.

swissinfo with agencies