Shaili Singh enters long jump final

India’s Shaili Singh

Up and coming long jumper Shaili Singh lived up to the expectations as she made it to the finals after topping the qualification round with an effort of 6.40m in the U-20 World Athletics Championships here on Friday.

Shaili, 17, considered one of the brightest upcoming stars in Indian athletics, achieved her best of the day in her third and final jump after starting off with a 6.34m in Group B. Her second jump recorded 5.98m.

She was one of three long jumpers who secured automatic qualification, set at 6.35m, for the final. She would have made the grade on the strength of her opening effort of 6.34m but chose to strain every sinew on her last attempt to gain the psychological edge going into Sunday's final.

Shaili is considered a medal prospect but the final is expected to be a tough affair with some of the world's best making the cut. Shaili, who had won the long jump event at the national (senior) inter-state championships in June with an effort of 6.48m, is the current U-18 World No. 2 and U-20 national record holder.

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