Longford's Cian McPhillips has qualified for Sunday's European under-23 800 metre final.
McPhillips finished fourth in his semi-final this morning posting 1:46.35. McPhillips qualified as the fastest loser having post a time faster than the winning time of semi-final two.
The Longford man, European U20 1500m champion from 2021 ran a good tactical race sitting off the leaders throughout.
Whereas, Italian Francesco Pernici won out out 1:45.53, followed by Britian’s Samuel Reardon in 1:45.95 and Yanis Meziane of France third in 1:46.20. The top three all qualified automaticcally.
McPhillips had to wait to confirm his place in the final having taken fourth place in 1:46.35.
However, The short wait was worthwhile as Ethan Hussey of Great Britian took the semi-final two tape in 1:47.16. Meaning McPhillips took the first fastest loser spot.
A solid performance from Cian McPhillips who gets through to Sunday's final as a fastest non automatic qualifier in heat 1 of the Men's 800m (1:46.35). Job done ✅
✨Cian Mc Phillips (UCD AC) PB 1:45.92
🗓️Sun 16th Day 4: 800m
⏰Final @ 4.10pm#Espoo2023 @Ask123ie @EuroAthletics pic.twitter.com/u93m9STzSY— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) July 14, 2023
The final spot in the final went to Daniel Huller of Hungary. The man who finished directly behind McPhillips in 1:46.46.
McPhillips final takes place on Sunday at 4:10 Irish time.
Earlier today, Shay McEvoy finished 10th in the 5,000 metres while Callum Morgan took 14th place.
Later this evening three Irish athletes compete in finals in Finland. Israel Olatunde (100m), Jack Raftery (400m), and Nicola Tuthill (Hammer) will look to land a medal. Jack Rafferty is first on the track at 5.20 Irish time.
