Athletics: Willis stumbles but kicks on to win heat

Memories of John Walker's heart-breaking fall in the 1500m final at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth games flashed before the eyes of New Zealanders last night.

New Zealander Nick Willis had worked himself into a good position in the back straight of the first 1500m heat and was 250m from the finish when training partner Kevin Sullivan of Canada clipped Willis' heels.

He stumbled for a couple of strides before regaining his gait and cruising to victory.

In winning, he took the direst route to tonight's final, where he will be joined by teammates Paul Hamblyn, who qualified fifth fastest in running into fifth place in the faster second heat won by Australian Craig Mottram, and Adrian Blincoe.

Asked about the final, Willis said: "I'll put myself in a position and see what happens. It could be won in anything from 3m 30s-3m 40s - I'm not sure if I'm in 3m 30s pace but we will wait and see."

Chantal Brunner fouled her last attempt in the long jump to finish fourth after holding third at one stage.

"It's disappointing but it is by far the best sequence I have done," said Brunner who, at 35 years, was the oldest in the field. "I held some hopes [of a medal] but these girls are so good, it is never over until it's over."

Earlier, James Dolphin was pinching himself after helping power the New Zealand 4x100m relay team into tonight's final.

Backing his ability to run strongly around the top bend, Dolphin, on the third leg and between James Mortimer and anchor Chris Donaldson, ran strongly to send Donaldson away in the lead as heat favourites Nigeria saw their hopes dashed.

With Donaldson completing the job started so well by Matt Brown, New Zealand won the first of three heats comfortably in a smart 39.04s - the second fastest by a New Zealand quartet and within sight of the 38.99s national record.

By the end of the three heats the flying Kiwis were fifth-fastest.

Elsewhere, the Kenyans delivered the anticipated 3000m steeplechase trifecta with Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi Yano leading home Wesley Kiprotich Koech and Reuben Kosgei Seroney.