BUDAPEST, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Reigning champion Tobi Amusan of Nigeria won her qualifying heat in the women's 100-metres hurdles on Tuesday to secure a spot in the semi-finals amid a cloud of controversy.
The 26-year-old, who set the world record in the semi-finals of last year's world championships, had a provisional anti-doping suspension lifted on Thursday, but could still face an appeal that could potentially reinstate the ban.
Amusan, whose world record is 12.12, was slow out of the blocks before cruising to a time of 12.48 seconds, third fastest on the night.
"The team USA, we have the hardest team to make in the hurdles and that is what makes our event so exciting.
Amusan's presence at the global showpiece was a surprise, with her suspension lifted just two days before the meet began.
Persons:
Tobi Amusan, I'm, Amusan, Kendra Harrison, Harrison, Nia Ali, David Howman, Howman, Lori Ewing, Toby Davis
Organizations:
Nigeria, Integrity Unit, Sport, Thomson
Locations:
BUDAPEST, Budapest, United States