MX23RW : Thursday, February 24 19:25:09| >> :120:26975:26975:

Heptathlon gold inching closer for Katarina Johnson-Thompson

The 26-year-old has just one event to come and a lead of 137 points over her rivals.

Great Britain's Katarina Johnson-Thompson moved closer to winning the heptathlon gold medal at the World Championships on Thursday evening.

The 26-year-old held an overnight advantage of 96 points over Olympic and defending champion Nafi Thiam in Doha.

But having impressed in the long jump and javelin, she increased that lead to 137 points with just the 800 metres to come.

That means Thiam needs to beat Johnson-Thompson by eight seconds to overtake her and snatch gold.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson extended her lead in the heptathlon
Katarina Johnson-Thompson extended her lead in the heptathlon (Martin Rickett/PA)

Johnson-Thompson recorded 6.32m with her first long-jump attempt before improving to post 6.77m – the biggest leap of the competition.

Her no-jump on her third go did not matter as she comfortably had a better mark than Thiam's 6.40.

Then in the javelin, Johnson-Thompson recorded a personal-best 43.93 metres with her second effort to apply more pressure on Thiam.

The Belgian fouled with her first throw and after registering 48.04m chose not to take her final effort as she walked off the track to prepare for the 800m.

ID:373839: cacheID:373839:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3371:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Dina Asher-Smith celebrates winning silver at the World Athletics Championship on September 29, 2019
Read Next:
Dina Asher-Smith reveals two-year mission to win gold in Doha
>

rhs 2.0

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Match previews - Daily
Transfer Talk Daily
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!