By Ian Gordon, PA Sport, Munich

Colin Jackson moved effortlessly closer to a fourth-successive European Championships 110 metres hurdles title in Munich's Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

The 35-year-old Welshman qualified for the final later today with a convincing victory in 13.21 seconds as he left his semi-final rivals trailing.

Jackson, in the last major outdoor championships of his medal-laden career, is bidding to equal the feat set by javelin thrower Steve Backley by claiming a fourth title in a row.

Cambridge thrower Backley became the first Brit to do so with his memorable win last night.

But Tony Jarrett's hopes of adding to the silver and bronze he has from three previous final appearances were shattered when he was disqualified after finishing fourth in his heat.

Latvia's Stanislav Olijars, the man who carries the biggest threat to Jackson's hopes, won the race in 13.34secs.

Londoner Jarrett was disqualified after hitting the hurdle on his inside lane with his lead leg.