Daegu (South Korea): India’s campaign in the World Athletics Championships ended on a disappointing note with woman 800m runner Tintu Luka failing to qualify for the final round though she booked a berth for 2012 London Olympics here today.
Luka clocked 2:00.95, her season’s best, to finish sixth in heat number two of the semifinals and 15th overall. She, however, booked a ticket to the London Olympics as she crossed the Games ‘B’ qualifying standard of 2:01.30.
The 21-year-old Luka, the prodigy of legendary P T Usha, holds the national record of 1:59.17 but even that mark would not have been enough for her to qualify for the finals as the last and eighth athlete who made the grade clocked 1:58.98.
Defending champion Caster Semenya of South Africa led the time chart among the eight athletes, who were through to the final round with 1:58.07.
The Olympic qualification was a consolation for Luka though her effort today was a big disappointment. She was not expected to win a medal here but at least a final round qualification would have boosted her confidence.
But any effort below two-minute mark would have no chance for her to make it to the finals. (PTI)