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GÖTEBORG (09-Aug) -- Frenchman Mehdi Baala joined Steve Cram as only the second man to defend a European 1500m title when he executed a flawless race here this evening to win the gold medal at the 19th edition of these Championships at Ullevi Stadium.
Baala, who will turn 28 on Aug. 17, stayed tucked in when the Spanish trio of Arturo Casado, Sergio Gallardo and Juan Carlos Higuero moved to control the pace from the gun. The first lap went down in a sluggish 60.74, causing the pack to bunch up badly, and the pace slowed even further on the next lap as the field strolled around the track in 62.52. But Baala remained patient.
"The race was perfect for me," said Baala through a translator. "I decidecd not to be in the front of the race in the first part. I know the tactics of the Spanish. All was exactly as I planned it."
Past the 800m mark, the pace picked up significantly. Baala, and Ukrainian Ivan Heshko, got up on Higuero who took the bell at 2:46.28. The pack hesitated a bit, but coming out of turn two, Baala surged ahead and would never relinquish his lead. With fluid strides, he had the race in the bag with 20 meters to go and was even able to ease off before the line and enjoy his victory. He finished in 3:39.02, closing with a sub-53 second last lap, despite easing off.
After finishing, Baala fell to his knees, bowing his head on the track in a combination of relief and joy. At the 2005 IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Baala had a disappointing meet, finishing sixth in the 800m and failing to make the final in the 1500m when he faded badly to finish eighth in his semi-final.
"I am very happy about this victory," Baala said. "Four years ago my coach told me that if I am champion I will be champion for four years. Now I will be champion for 8 years."
Heshko got past Higuero coming out of turn 4 to take the silver, the first ever 1500m medal at these championships for a Ukranian, with the Spaniard holding on for bronze. They finished in 3:39.50 and 3:39.62, respectively.
Jimenez Leads Steeplechase Qualifying
In morning session, defending champion Antonio Jiménez of Spain led all qualifiers in the men's steeplechase with a 8:24.12 clocking to win semi-final 2. Bouabdellah "Bob" Tahri of France was second-fastest in 8:24.38, finishind second behind Tahri. The silver medalist from 2002, Simon Vroemen of the Netherlands, advanced to the final by winning the first heat in 8:29.62. All of the favorites advanced, including Günther Weidlinger of Austria. The final is scheduled for Friday.
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