Reigning Asian Games champion Margarita Mukasheva and Indian half-miler Tintu Lukka will clash for the top spot in 800m. Their head-to-head winning ratio is in favour of Mukasheva (6:1). But the presence of Belayneh Betlhem Desalegn will make things different for the duo. Formerly known as Maryam Mubarak Abdullah of Ethiopia, Betlhem migrated to the United Arab Emirates and won two gold medals for her adopted country in the Pune Asian championships in 1500m and 5000m. In Incheon she is entered in as much as four events – 800m, 1500m, 5000m and 3000m steeplechase. It may change at the time of confirming the entries prior to the commencement of athletics competitions.
Mimi Belete (4:00.08) and defending champion Maryam Jama (4:04.10)l are top 1500m runners from Bahrain. India’s O.P. Jaisha, who recently posted a personal best 4:09.14, may do some surprise act in the metric mile. From the Chinese team, Zhao Jing and Liu Fang are the best bets in 800 and 1500m events respectively.
