Turkish runners book spots in semis

LONDON

Nevin Yanıt (L) will compete in tonight’s women’s 100m hurdles semifinals. AA Photo

Turkey’s Nevin Yanıt will run in today’s women’s 100-meter hurdles semifinals at the London Olympic Games after winning her heats.

Yanıt, who came to London after successfully defending her European title, ran in 12.70 to win her heats. She will try to qualify for tonight’s final. The top two finishers in the three semifinals and the two best performers outside the top two spots will advance to the final.

Tonight’s semifinals will start at 9:15 pm, and the final race will be held at 11 p.m. Turkish time.
Two Turkish athletes also advanced from their heats in the women’s 1500-meters yesterday. Aslı Çakır Alptekin finished her heat in third place, while Gamze Bulut won the next heat to qualify for tomorrow’s semifinals.

Alptekin and Bulut completed a one-two finish in the 1500m finals in the European Championships in June. The 1500-meters final will be run on Aug. 10.