Athletics

Carolina Klüft has understandably dominated the sports pages with her European record-breaking heroics at Osaka. But a number of other Swedes with medal hopes have also impressed in the early stages of the World Championships.

Anybody turning on their televisions after returning home from a night out on Saturday may have seen Mustafa Mohamed ease into the final of the 3,000m steeplechase.

A comfortable third place finish was enough to secure a berth in Tuesday’s final. Mohamed carries with him the burden of expectation having earlier posted the second fastest time of the year (8:05.75) in the event.

“I’m not going to go out there thinking about medals. I’ll be thinking of how best to run the race, technically and tactically, so that I can get the best out of myself. That could go a long way,” he told news agency TT.

Susanna Kallur led the pack through the women’s 100m hurdles qualifying on in a time of 12.66 seconds, closely followed by defending champion and favourite Michelle Perry of the United States. The semi-finals are to be held on Tuesday.

Monday morning – Swedish time – saw the start of the men’s high jump competition with Stefan Holm and Linus Thörnblad both clearing 2.29m and qualifying easily for the final.

Football

Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas ensured Sven Göran Eriksson’s dream return to English football came to a shuddering halt as the Spaniard earned the London club a 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday.

But despite seeing his side concede points and a goal for the first time this campaign, the Swede was encouraged by his side’s spirited performance.

“It is tough to lose but I think we played better than when we beat

Manchester United last week,” he said.

“I am rather happy. We worked hard, we stood up to Arsenal when they moved the ball around, but we also played some good football.

“Now it’s important that we have a good reaction. But I am sure we can play better football in the future and improve as a team.”

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AIK have hauled themselves into contention in the battle for the Allsvenskan title with their fifth win on the bounce. Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Malmö leaves the Solna side just two points behind leaders Elfsborg.

Allsvenskan: Table and results.

AFP/TT/The Local