Jacory Patterson underlined his status as the man to beat in the men’s 400m after cruising to victory in the opening round of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday, September 14. The American stormed to a commanding 43.90, looking in total control as he set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling battle for gold.
There were six heats on the day, with the top three from each heat booking automatic slots in the semi-finals, joined by the six fastest losers. Patterson, who recently claimed the Zurich Diamond League crown in 43.85, barely needed to stretch as he crossed the line, sending a clear message to his rivals.
Full Results – Men’s 400m Heats (Top 3 in each heat)
- Jacory Patterson (USA) – 43.90 Q
- Khaleb McRae (USA) – 44.25 Q
- Zakithi Nene (RSA) – 44.34 Q
- Bayapo Ndori (BOT) – 44.36 Q
- Rusheen McDonald (JAM) – 44.38 Q
- Lee Bhekempilo Eppie (BOT) – 44.44 Q
- Yuki Joseph Nakajima (JPN) – 44.44 Q (NR)
- Edoardo Scotti (ITA) – 44.45 Q (SB)
- Busang Collen Kebinatshipi (BOT) – 44.48 q
- Christopher Bailey (USA) – 44.49 Q (PB)
- Bovel McPherson (JAM) – 44.51 Q (SB)
- Reece Holder (AUS) – 44.54 Q
- Vernon Norwood (USA) – 44.55 Q
- Attila Molnár (HUN) – 44.55 Q (NR)
- Muzala Samukonga (ZAM) – 44.56 Q (PB)
- Ammar Ismail Yahia Ibrahim (QAT) – 44.63 q
- Jereem Richards (TTO) – 44.64 Q
- Kirani James (GRN) – 44.66 Q
- Matthew Hudson-Smith (GBR) – 44.68 q
- Samuel Reardon (GBR) – 44.70 q (SB)
- Lythe Pillay (RSA) – 44.73 Q (PB)
Among the standout performances was Jamaica’s Rusheen McDonald, who posted a season’s best 44.38, while Edoardo Scotti impressed with a new Italian national record of 44.45. Japan’s Yuki Nakajima also thrilled the home crowd by clocking a national record of 44.44 to secure a spot in the next round.
Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith endured a tough finish in his heat but squeezed through as a fastest loser in 44.68, while Hungary’s Attila Molnár smashed his national record with 44.55 to advance. Elsewhere, world indoor champion Chris Bailey clinched his heat in 44.49, and Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga progressed with a personal best of 44.56.
In the final heat, Khaleb McRae looked sharp with 44.25, while London 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James showed his experience to clinch third in 44.66.
With all the top names safely through, the men’s 400m semi-finals on Tuesday promise an explosive showdown as the world’s fastest quarter-milers battle for a place in the final.
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