KUALA LUMPUR: Fatehah Mustapa's campaign at the Track Cycling World Championships came to a disappointing end after failing to progress in the women's sprint in London today though she will still go to the Rio Olympics in the discipline.
Fatehah clocked 11.334 seconds in the qualifying round but it was only enough to see her place 25th from 33 riders at the Lee Valley VeloPark. Only the top 24 riders make the cut for the first round.
She, however, remains assured of one the two Asian sprint slots at the Olympics alongside Hong Kong's Lee Wai Sze as Japan duo Kayono Maeda and Takako Ishii, the riders ranked nearest to Fatehah in the race for Rio, both finished below her in qualifying in 31st and 33rd place.
The World meet is the last event offering qualifying points for the Olympics.
National coach John Beasley said he is expecting a better performance from Fatehah at the Olympiad.
"Her spot (in Rio) is safe. We have had a good chat and you will see a much better Fatehah at Rio," said Beasley.
The Terengganu-born rider was also unable to make an impact on the women's keirin on Thursday. She finished sixth from seven riders in her first round heat and second in the subsequent repecharge, where only the winner progressed.
Azizulhasni Awang, who missed out on a Rio berth for the sprint after also failing to make the cut in the qualifying round yesterday, will take to the track for the Keirin tomorrow.