Tom Walsh fires warning shot to rivals as Kiwi storms into world championship final MARC HINTON AND MARVIN FRANCEPHIL NOBLE/ REUTERS Tom Walsh topped qualifying with a throw of 22.14mIf Tom Walsh was feeling weighed down by his shot at history at the world athletics championships, he certainly did not show it during qualifying. Walsh, the New Zealand team captain, was the only man to break the 22m barrier, finishing 73cm ahead of German David Storl in second, smashing the automatic qualification mark of 20.75m. READ MORE:* Walsh out to silence doubters* Eliza: There's no pressure on me* Season's best effort for Tom Walsh* How brilliant Bolt changed athleticsThe 25-year-old Timaru athlete eclipsed his previous season best by 10cm and was just 7cm shy of his personal best, set in Croatia last year. Walsh will be joined in Monday morning's final (NZ time) by compatriot Jacko Gill, who also qualified with his first attempt of 20.96m. With a season best throw of 22.65m for Crouser, and 22.57m for Kovacs, they remain the men to beat in the final.

Source: Stuff August 05, 2017 10:18 UTC