Meseret Defar effortlessly into 3000m final in Doha

From David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Doha

 ETHIOPIA'S Meseret Defar has set about chalking up her fourth world indoor title in fine form in Doha, romping into the final as the fastest qualifier in the 3000m.

The 26-year-old, an Olympic 5000m gold medallist at Athens 2004, eased her way home in the second of the two heats in 8:48.23 minutes.

Defar has been in formidable form again this season clocking the fastest time of the world this year in Stuttgart, coming home in 8:24.46 minutes, less than a second slower than her own world record.

And she effortlessly seized control of her heat on the final lap to cruise home and lay down an early marker for yet another indoor title.

In the first heat, it was fellow Ethiopian Sentayehu Ejigu who led the way and looks set to lead the challenge to Defar, crossing the line first in a much slower race in 9:00.34.

Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot, the world champion over 5000m, will also fancy her medal chances in Doha and was third in the opening heat, behind Portugal's Sara Moreira - the European indoor silver medallist last year.

There was heart-ache for Great Britain's Barbara Parker who remained in contention for qualification until the home straight where she was pipped by the fast finishing Rene Kalmer of South Africa for the fourth automatic spot.

And due to the fact that the second heat was much faster than the first, Parker's chances of progressing as a fastest loser were ended while fellow Brit Gemma Turtle was 11th in the second heat.

Meanwhile, in the women's 60m hurdles, Canada's Priscilla Lopes-Schliep looks set to be the closest challenger to defending champion LoLo Jones, clocking 7.94 seconds - 0.01 faster than the American - to advance through the heats as the fastest qualifier.

"Indoors it's all about to have a good start," said Jones. "I can manage after the last hurdle with my speed, but before that I need a smooth race.

"I think I will be better with each race here, there is some pressure to be the title defender."

Gemma Bennett of Great Britain crossed the line in 8.20, good enough fifth in her heat but not enough to progress.  

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