Rawlinson - eased through (Getty Images)
RAWLINSON IN SEMI-FINALS
By Ian Gordon, PA Sport, Paris
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Commonwealth champion Chris Rawlinson booked his place in the semi-finals of
the 400metres hurdles at the World Championships in Paris on Tuesday night.
Rawlinson, one of Britain's remaining medal possibles, finished second in his
first round heat at the Stade de France to automatically qualify for tomorrow's
next stage.
The Rotherham-born runner, who raised fears he might join Britain's casualty
list after pulling out of the Norwich Union London Grand Prix earlier this
month, looked impressive though he stuttered slightly after clearing the final
barrier.
Rawlinson, fifth at the last worlds two years ago, finished in 48.73seconds
with American Joey Woody winning in 48.53secs.
"I was scared stiff beforehand because I didn't know what too expect," said
Rawlinson, who damaged three vertebrae in his back while weight-training after
the trials last month which then caused a groin tear.
"I have been flying in training but that doesn't mean you get results. I have
got no aches or pains now and I am over the moon but I have got a lot more in my
body and if my mind is ready I will be okay.
"I have proved that I am physically in shape and I have to get down on the
blocks and believe I can mix it with the rest of them. Everyone is close
together, it's a bit like the 100m as anyone can win it."
Rawlinson's team-mate Anthony Borsumato was left sweating on grabbing a place as
a fastest loser which he eventually did after finishing fifth in the next heat
in 49.16secs.
"I have been on antibiotics because I had a throat infection so it was nice
to get out there and blow the cobwebs away," said Borsumato, fourth when
Rawlinson won the Commonwealth crown in Manchester.
"I am back in shape now but I was still running full out and I hoped it would
be good enough to get me in as a fastest loser.
"It will probably mean a tough lane in the semis but it's best to be in
it."
Ireland's former 5000m world champion Sonia O'Sullivan comfortably qualified for
Saturday's final in a season's best time of 14 minutes 55.50secs.
The 33-year-old mother of three was in the pack for much of the heat before
grabbing second place in her heat behind Turkey's Elvan Abeylegesse.
O'Sullivan claimed her gold in Gothenburg eight years ago when she became only
the second Irish athlete to win a world title.
British interest in the women's 200m ended at the quarter-final stage with AAA
champion Abi Oyepitan sixth in her heat (23.42) while Joice Maduaka was last in
her race in 23.51.
But there was good news off the track as Greece's World and Olympic champion
Konstadinos Kederis pulled out of the event on the eve of the defence of the
title he won in Edmonton two years ago.
Kederis, who has again made infrequent appearances on the track this season,
had a final test on a thigh problem at the nearby Stade Charlety today after
which his federation decided not to risk him with next year's Olympics in Athens
in mind.
The withdrawal is a boost to Britain's trio of 100m bronze medallist Darren
Campbell, who took Olympic silver behind Kederis in Sydney in 2000, Christian
Malcolm and Julian Golding who launch their challenge tomorrow morning.
