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Veteran Matete challenges the young guns
SYDNEY, Sept 24 (AFP) - Zambia's Samuel Matete shrugged off the chilly, windy conditions here on Sunday night to power into the second round of the men's 400 meters hurdles. The 31-year-old, who won silver four years ago in Atlanta to go with his 1991 world championship title and who is competing in his fourth Olympics, was the only runner to go under the 49 second mark in the opening heats when he clocked 48.98. It was an impressive performance from the African who is the fastest hurdler in the field - having run a personal best 47.10. "I'm in good shape. Today I did one race and I did well but it was too windy," said Matete. Ten years younger than Matete and a hot favourite to take the gold, Angelo Taylor had an untroubled win in his heat. The 21-year-old, currently ranked world number one, has fond memories of the Australian city. In his first appearance here he won a bronze in the 1996 World Junior Champions. Earlier this season he won the US national title with a personal best of 47.83. "I felt very strong. Everything went to plan - I'm ready to rumble," said Taylor, running in his first Olympics. Italy's Fabrizio Mori, winner at the Seville world championships last year, was in total control as he did no more than was necessary to ensure his berth in the next round. But he was far from happy with the Sydney weather. "It was very cold for me. I've been suffering from a very bad cold as well this week," said the Italian. "I felt a bit insecure and nervous about racing today because it has been more than two months since my last major race but I think I've overcome it and it's all left to the finals now," he added. In an all-European battle England's Christopher Rawlinson held off European champion Pawel Januszewski of Poland but with the top two in each heat going through Januszewski had no need to push himself. "Boy it was windy," complained Rawlinson. "I was coming round the straight and the wind hit me but I'm here for getting a medal. I've got as job to do." There was heartache for Japan's Dai Tamesue. The 22-year-old was leading with Brazil's Eronildes Araujo as they hit the final 100 meters and looking set to move into the second round. But Temesue clipped the second last hurdle and crashed to the track. He picked himself and crossed the line before holding his head in his hands and sobbing before he was guided off the track.
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