DURBAN, South Africa (AP) — Caster Semenya has won the 800 meters title at the South African national championships, holding off defending champion Mapaseka Makhanya in an unofficial time of 2 minutes, 2.10 seconds.
The South African Press Association reports world champion Semenya led the field through the first lap in 61 seconds at Kings Park Athletics Stadium Sunday and then powered down the home straight to pull clear of Makhanya.
Despite missing out on the sub-2 minute time she had targeted before the two-day nationals, Semenya has given her season a significant boost ahead of the European season and the world championships in Daegu, South Korea, which start in August.
The 20-year-old Semenya is hoping to defend her world title in Daegu.
