23 Aug 2015

Walsh and Gill in shot put final

6:26 pm on 23 August 2015

Two New Zealand athletes have qualified for the final of the men's shot put at the World Championships in Beijing.

Out of a field of 31 competing in this morning's qualifying rounds, Tom Walsh and Jacko Gill both advanced to the final for the top 12 competitors

Walsh ranked seventh with his best throw of 20.49 metres while Gill provided sneaked in as the 12th best qualifier with a put of 19.94 metres.

Joe Kovacs of USA was the top qualifier with 21.36 metres.

Although safely in the final Walsh was not happy with his efforts.

Tom Walsh

Tom Walsh Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"I'm through that's the main thing. Just over rotating at little bit. I'm sure this afternoon will be fine as I always throw better in the afternoon," he said.

Gill was a little surprised to make the final by just five centimetres.

"I'm really happy I'm pretty lucky. I didn't hit any of my three throws, but happy with the distances to get them and of course I wanted more and I've got nothing to lose in the final."

The New Zealand shot putter Jacko Gill.

The New Zealand shot putter Jacko Gill. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The final will take place on Sunday evening starting at 11.30pm NZ time.

Earlier in the day, Quentin Rew walked his way to 18th place in the 20 kilometre race walk.

He maintained a consistent pace throughout to finish in 1:22:18, just seven seconds outside his personal best of 1:22:11.

The race walk was won by Miguel Ángel López os Spain in 1:19:14

Rew will compete in the 50km race walk in a week's time.