Filipino-American sprinter Kristina Knott’s inclusion in the World Indoor Athletics Championships in China is still up in the air. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PATAFA
SPORTS

Knott yet sure

Ivan Suing

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) hopes Kristina Knott’s current ranking in the World Athletics will earn her a universality slot for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China from 21 to 23 March.

Patafa secretary general Jasper Tanhueco said they are waiting from authorities until Thursday to determine if the Filipino-American sprinter will enter the women’s 60-meter event.

Ernest John Obiena of pole vault failed to qualify for an outright berth after failing to reach the standard of 5.85m before the 9 March deadline.

“It is still not sure. The universality places will be based on their rankings,” Tanhueco said.

“From what I can remember, only 56 slots will be given out for universality. The deadline will be until 13 March.”

Knott’s best time in the indoor season is 7.32 seconds last month in the Don Kirby Elite Indoor in New Mexico.

Yet, it isn’t enough for an outright berth in the Indoor Championships as the qualifying standard is 7.15.

Knott is currently ranked No. 156 in the World Athletics rankings.