Keely Hodgkinson made serene progress into the 800m final at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in her first race back since taking silver at last month's European Championships.
The 24-year-old skipped the final rounds of the Diamond League and the Final in Brussels last week due to discomfort in her hamstring but looked relaxed and comfortable as she clocked the quickest time of the two semi-finals, 1:57.57.
As usual Hodgkinson led from the front before winding things up in the closing 200m, finishing well clear of American Addison Wiley in 1:58.14 and Australia's Sarah Billings, who clocked 1:58.37.
There was drama as Veronica Vancardo was accidentally brought down by Eloisa Coiro as the Italian attempted to edge past on the inside in the closing straight, with Hodgkinson and the other runners going to console the Swiss athlete, who appeared badly hurt. Officials later advanced her to the final after reviewing the footage and deeming she was tripped.
Hodgkinson told BBC Sport: ""I'm happy with that, I'm glad to be back running. It was a lot of fun. It's been a month since I last raced so it's nice to get that run out through the legs, hopefully go a bit better tomorrow."

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