New record and gallant finish for Martin at World Indoors

Shot put behemoth Scott Martin finished a credible seventh in the final against a strong field, and Craig Mottram (3000m), Tamsyn Lewis (800m) and Sean Wroe (400m) all progressed through to the next round, in a solid opening day for the Australians at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Valencia.

Competing against a stellar field which included four of the top five placegetters from last year’s outdoor world championships in Osaka, Martin entered the final bursting with confidence after setting a new Oceania and Australian indoor record of 20.83m in the earlier qualifying rounds – his second-longest throw ever.

However, he wasn’t able to match that effort in the final, his best heave reaching 20.13m on his second attempt. American Christian Cantwell (21.77m) regained the indoor world title from countryman and reigning champion Reese Hoffa (21.20m).

"I took a risk. I went out there to throw 21 metres not 20-and-a-half," explained a disappointed, yet optimistic Martin.

"It didn't work but I now know that I can mix it with these guys, and once I get it right over the next five-and-a-half months time I know I can be in the medal hunt in Beijing."

In a tactical race, Craig Mottram (7:54.51) cruised into Sunday’s 3000m final after finishing third in his heat.

The 27-year-old, who was sporting new facial hair, appeared comfortable throughout, with plenty left in the tank for the final.

"I’m happy with that. I did all I needed to do, and importantly stayed out of trouble," explained Mottram.

Rivals Kenyan Paul Kipsiele Koech (7:54.46) and Ethiopian Tariku Bekele (8:03.55) also looked strong, setting up a much-anticipated showdown on Sunday.

"I learned a little bit about some of the other runners which helps in thinking about the race plan for the final."

Finishing second in her 800m heat, Tamsyn Lewis produced a new national indoor record of 2.01.85, bettering her own previous national indoor mark of 2.02.42 set nearly nine years ago in Maebashi.

"Although we don't race indoors all that often, it is nice to get a national record," said the 13-time national champion.

"I’m pretty happy about making that one a bit stronger and am looking forward to making it even better (in the semi-final) tomorrow."

In his first ever indoor race, Sean Wroe (47.23) easily won his heat of the 400m after leading all the way from lane four; the young Victorian progressing through to tonight’s semi-finals.

"I ran really scared out there but it worked for me," Wroe said.

"The atmosphere was incredible. All that noise in such a small space and the fence is so close to lane six.

"It didn't feel as hard as a ‘normal’ 400m. I really liked it."

The action continues in the Spanish city tonight, with Lewis and Wroe lining up in their respective semi-finals and Steve Hooker taking to the runway in the men’s pole vault qualifying round.

Live results, reports and radio can be found on www.iaaf.org.

Craig Mottram VIC (3000m) Final - Monday 3:45am (AEDT)
Steve Hooker WA (pole vault) Qualifying - Saturday 8:20pm, Final - Monday 2:00am (AEDT)
Tamsyn Lewis VIC (800m) Semi-final - Sunday 3:25am, Final - Monday 3:15am (AEDT)
Sean Wroe VIC (400m) Semi-final - Sunday 5:00am, Final - Monday 2:35am (AEDT)
Sean Wroe VIC, Joel Milburn NSW, Dylan Grant QLD, Daniel Batman AIS, Mark Ormrod SA (men's 4 x 400m relay) Heat - Sunday 9:00pm, Final - Monday 5:05am (AEDT)