The Japan Times - Benjamin sets up 'historic' hurdles showdown with Warholm and Dos Santos

The trio have dominated the event in recent years, pushing each other to ever greater times and sharing out the global accolades between them.

Warholm qualified fastest of the three in Tokyo in a time of 47.72sec, returning to the track where he set a stunning world record on his way to gold at the Covid-delayed Olympics in 2021.

American Benjamin and Dos Santos slugged it out in the third semi-final, with Benjamin coming home first in 47.95sec to the Brazilian's 48.16sec.

Benjamin prevailed when the trio met at the Paris Olympics last year and he is hoping for another classic tussle in Friday's final.

"I think it's going to be really fast," said the 28-year-old.

"I hope it's historic and I hope I'm on the right side of history this time. Coming out here, you can never be on the wrong side of history."

Warholm finished second in his semi-final behind Qatar's Abderrahman Samba but the Norwegian said it was all part of his strategy.

"He could get a first place if he wanted to because honestly I don't care," said Warholm.

"I can have an outside lane in the final, it'll be fun."

Warholm is coming into the competition in fine form, clocking a time of 46.28sec at the Silesia Diamond League in Poland last month.

It was the third fastest time ever run over the distance, topped only by his own world record of 45.94sec and Benjamin's 46.19sec.

The Norwegian said he "chilled" for the second half of the semi-final but he would be ready when it counted on Friday.

"I feel confident of course, being on this track," he said.

"But you know, out there you have Dos Santos, you have Rai Benjamin, really good runners, hard workers, and they can challenge."

T.Maeda--JT