Cuba's Calatayud wins women's 800m in Helsinki worlds

Cuba's Zulia Calatayud captured the title of the women's 800 meters at the 10th world championships on Tuesday in Helsinki.

The 26-year-old produced a surprise coming off the final bend to claim gold in devastating fashion. She then stormed home to win in a time of one minute 58.82 seconds. Morocco's Hasna Benhassi was second in 1:59.42 and Russia's Tatyana Andrianova won the third in 1:59.60.

Calatayud had never achieved good results in the world championships or the Olympic Games. Her best result in the two big events came from the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, where she took the sixth place.

"I have had injuries which took lengthy rehabilitation. I am thankful that I am healthy and able to run well again," Calatayud said.

Benhassi felt good with the silver, saying: "I am quite happy and satisfied with the silver. I believed I had a chance for the gold but I made a mistake in my running. I stayed too far behind."

Andrianova, who held the fastest time in the world this year, was disappointed after the race.

"I wanted to win and the result was weak, so I am not satisfied. The 1.5 hours delay because of the rain made it very difficult and confusing. The track was very slippery and it made the race very difficult and caused me problems.

She concluded: "I can't find peace, before I have won all the medals."

Three-time winner Maria Mutola of Mozambique led the race from the first 200m but allowed Andrianova to pass her on the inside, getting bumped in the process.

The 32-year-old finished back in fourth in what could now be her last appearance at the worlds.

Source: Xinhua