Qatar's Musaeb qualifies for 800m semis as Barshim gets set for high jump final

Qatar's promising long distance runner Musaeb Abdulrehman yesterday produced an impressive time to reach the semifinals of the men's 800m competition at the Olympic Stadium, just a day before compatriot Mutaz Essa Barshim takes part in the high jump final. Musaeb, 23, yesterday secured a semifinals berth with a time of 1:46.37, a notch behind heat leader and world record holder Kenya's David Lekuta Rudisha. It was an impressive time from Musaeb - the 2011 Arab Games 800m champion - since Rudisha has only been beaten once over two laps of the track since he failed to make the final at the 2009 world championships. Rudisha yesterday finished the second heat of runners with a time of 1:45.90. The third qualifier from the group of eight runners was home hope Andrew Osagie who clocked 1:46.42. Rudisha, the 2011 world champion, has again been a class apart this season. He is unbeaten in six 800m races and has twice run under one minute and 42 seconds. After being kept out of the Beijing Olympics because of  injury, the 23-year-old is looking to make up for missing out in 2008. A top official said Qatar camp was eagerly awaiting action on Tuesday when Musaeb and Barshim will do battle in two beats at the Olympic Stadium. Khalifa Abdul Malik, Director of Qatar athletics contingent in London, said: "We are pleased with the performance of Musaeb and that of Mutaz Essa Barshim (who qualified for the high jump final). These youngsters have promise. We are at the Olympic Games where the competition is really tough." Malik added: "We hope Musaeb continues his fine show in the semifinals also. A place in the finals is sufficient incentive to do well for any athlete and I am sure Musaeb feels the same way. The world will be watching the final so hopefully he will be there." Osagie, the Briton hoping to qualify for the 800m final, said: "I was outside qualifying until the last three metres, which was not ideal but I didn't panic. It was very relaxed for me. I felt comfortable where I was. I'm happy to be in the top three." On why he thinks he will be better in the semifinal, Osagie said: "I'm renowned for being rubbish in the heats, especially in the morning, but tomorrow evening, with the amazing crowd, I will be fine." The semifinals will be held on Tuesday. Earlier on Sunday night, there was good news for the Qatari camp when Barshim qualified for the finals of the high jump event. The Qatari is considered a genuine medal hope after some impressive form this year. The 21-year-old Qatari jumped 2.37m in February this year at the Asian indoor championships in Hangzhou. Victory would make Barshim Qatar's first gold winner, and the Gulf nation's second ever Olympic medallist after Mohamed Suleiman won 1500m bronze at Barcelona 1992. Suleiman, who is part of the Qatari contingent in London, said: "I think our athletes have shown a lot of promise against some of the best names in the world. What we lack is experience but we have a lot of talent and skill in the beats we take part in. I wish Musaeb and Mutaz the very best." The high jump final will be held on Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium, an hour before Musaeb gets ready for the semifinals in the 800m competition at the same venue. From - Qatar Olympic Committee