OSAKA--While reigning Olympic champion Fani Halkia may have bowed out a bit earlier than she had hoped, Thursday evening's final of the women's 400-meter hurdles will nonetheless host one of the largest gatherings of giants at these IAAF world championships.

There's Yuliya Pechonkina, the reigning world champion, who powered to a comfortable victory in the second of three semifinals in 53.82 seconds.

"It was not tougher than the heats," said the 29-year-old Russian, who's held the world record since her scorching 52.34 run in August 2003.

Despite easing up significantly over the final 20 meters, Pechonkina finished more than two strides ahead of runnerup Huang Xiaoxiao of China (54.00), indicating she had plenty in reserve.

But Pechonkina was in no mood for predictions. "Don't ask me about the final right now," she said. "I'll think about that tomorrow."

Then there's Jana Rawlinson, the Australian who took the world crown four years ago in Paris at the age of 20, the youngest to ever take a world or Olympic title in the event.

"It looked sensational," said Rawlinson, who stopped the clock in 53.57, the quickest of the championships. Fifth at the 2004 Olympics, Rawlinson took 2005 off for maternity leave, and returned to competition last May. "My shape is coming at a right time. I hope for a good draw for the final."

Should Pechonkina or Rawlinson prevail in the final, they would become only the second woman to ever take a second gold medal in the event. Only Moroccan Nezha Bidouane, who won in 1997 and 2001, has managed the feat.

Also advancing was Russian Yevgeniya Isakova, the reigning European champion. The 28-year-old clocked a season's best 54.11, finishing third behind Rawlinson and Tasha Danvers-Smith of Great Britain, whose 54.08 was also a season's best.

Also rounding into shape in time is Anna Jesien, who won the third semi in 53.86, a national record for Poland.

"Technically my race was very good," said the 28-year-old, who was fourth at the world championships two years ago in Helsinki. "I felt really good, but did expect a national record." Her performance knocked .10 seconds from her previous personal best.

Tiffany Ross-Williams, this year's U.S. champion and the season's fastest at 53.28, advanced as well.

Halkia, who stormed to a legendary victory before a home capacity crowd at Athens Olympic Stadium three years ago, was never a factor. Slowed by a series of nagging injuries all season, she finished a distant seventh in the second heat, clocking a lackluster 56.58. It was only her second race over the barriers this season.

(Aug. 29, 2007)