Gowda qualifies for final round in Athletics World

India's Vikas Gowda today advanced to the men's discus throw final in the 14th IAAF World Athletics Championships after finishing seventh overall in the qualification round here.
National record holder and reigning Asian champion Gowda finished fourth in qualification round A with a best throw of 63.64m which he came up in his first attempt on the third day of the competition at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Reigning world and Olympic champion Robert Harting of Germany was the lead thrower going into the final round with an effort of 66.62m.
Piotr Malachowski of Poland was second overall in the qualification with 66.00m while London Olympics bronze medallist Gerd Kanter of Estonia was third with 65.54m.

Gowda has a personal best and national record of 66.28m against his name.
The 12-athlete final round will be held tomorrow.
Women's 20km Race Walker Khusbir Kaur will also compete tomorrow.