Payton made a clear jump start from her eighth course and one foot released the starting block but she remained behind the starting line, the Spaniard Maria Isabel Perez on course seven next door was dragged by Payton's jump start and was called to the officials.
After a short discussion, it was announced that both Payton and Perez were dishonored, a decision was changed and the Spaniard was finally allowed to participate.
Jamaican Briana Williams won the third semifinal in 7.08.
In the morning session, Payton set a personal record with 7.21.