(16/04/2005)

South Africa's Chris Harmse has set a new Africa Hammer record on the opening day of the ABSA South African Track and Field Championships at Kings Park Stadium, Durban.

Harmse second round effort of 80.63m in the men's Hammer Throw was 37 centimetres better than the previous Africa record he set last year.

He said: "I have kept my promise of surpassing 80 metres during our domestic season.

"This is an indication that my training for the World championships in Helsinki, is on track."

Sydney Olympic 400m finalist Heide Seyerling was back to her best form claiming the Helsinki 'A' qualification mark in the one lap race in
51.48.

Second placed Estie Wittstock (52.21) also made the IAAF world championships 'B' qualifying mark, while Adri Schoeman was third in 53.31.

Janus Robberts won the Shot put with a heave of 19.89m, while in the women's event Marli Knoetze won in 16.30m.