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LONDON. — Wayde van Niekerk’s bid for a first world double since 1995 now turns to the 200m after he stormed to a comfortable victory in the 400m. After initially struggling with the cold, the 25-year-old ran a solid final bend to blast to victory in 43.98 seconds with a lot to spare, and went straight into recovery ahead of last night’s 200m semi-finals, with the final on today. “It was quite freezing and I struggled to get myself warmed up and ready,” said Van Niekerk, who came into the 400m as defending world and Olympic champion.

“I was doubting my momentum. In the last 150 metres I tried putting in an extra gear, but I couldn’t catch my stride until my last few metres. I just allowed the race to go through to the finish line.” Thoughts will turn straight to the 200m, and a rare double. — AFP.