Athletics: Another two Kiwis tumble at worlds

Two more New Zealanders made fleeting appearances at the world championships in Edmonton yesterday.

Jane Arnott and Chantal Brunner joined compatriot Jenni Dryburgh in failing to progress past the first round of competition.

Arnott bowed out in the opening round of heats in the 400m and Brunner was cut from the long jump when she finished 17th among 22 competitors grouped in two qualifying pools.

Dryburgh had made an early exit from the pole vault and the same fate awaited Arnott and Brunner yesterday, although Arnott had the satisfaction of comfortably finishing ahead of her pre-championships seeding.

Brunner, who holds the New Zealand record of 6.68m, twice jumped 6.39m and fouled out with her third, to finish well outside the top 12 who progressed to the final.

Arnott was rated 43rd of the 48 runners in the first round of heats but finished 29th overall after coming sixth in her heat with a time of 52.57s, marginally slower than her personal best of 52.23s.

"It's her season's best time and that is a bonus in what is her first major championships," New Zealand manager Ken Simpson said.

"She really acquitted herself quite well."

Hammer thrower Tasha Williams contests her qualifying round early today (NZT).

- NZPA