Ben Reynolds through to 60m hurdles semis at World Indoor Championships
Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Ben Reynolds held his nerve to qualify for the 60m hurdles semi-finals at the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul.
Making his major championship debut for Ireland, the Holywood hurdler's first-round heat time of 7.82 was enough to earn him a fastest loser's spot.
Reynolds was .08secs outside his personal best and admitted to mixed feelings after the run.
"It was not a very good race to be honest but the result is what counts," said Reynolds.
"I got through in the end and will have another chance to execute properly on Sunday."
Reynolds acknowledged that the major championship stage had been "daunting".
"I just need to relax and enjoy it on Sunday. Why do I do it? For enjoyment. You can lose that side of it.
"I need to be a lot more aggressive out of the blocks in the semi-finals and get my feet down quicker between the hurdles."
Reynolds' semi-final is scheduled for 1245 GMT on Sunday.
Derval O'Rourke, a gold medallist in 2006, finished sixth in the women's 60m hurdles semi-finals on Saturday with only the top four making the final.
O'Rourke, who ran a season's beat 8.13, squeezed into the semis as a fastest loser after clocking 8.19 in her heat on Friday.
Ciaran O'Lionaird made a disappointing exit in the men's 1500m after only managing 11th place in his heat.
O'Lionaird, who superbly made the final at last year's world outdoor championships, was way below his previous impressive form this season as he clocked 3:50.12.
