Cottom eases through 800m

Cotton won comfortably in one minute, 51.97 seconds as the third-quickest qualifier. Sweden's Johan Rogestedt set the pace while Great Britain's Rikkie Letch also progressed in 1:55.61.

"I was ready to go out and lead it all but the Cuban took it over so I was happy to sit on his shoulder and wait," said Cotton.

"I want to get a personal best in the semi's now."

British sprinters were also in form with Shaunna Thompson and Jodie Williams both winning their heats in the women's 100m.

Sale Harrier Thompson, a world junior semi-finalist over 200m, ran a season's best 11.71 seconds while Williams crossed the line in 11.85 secs.

Only four athletes dipped below 12 seconds, with American Ashton Purvis the quickest in 11.57 secs.

"I was calm and just thinking, I'm going to go out there and run the time that I can run, I'm pleased with it," said Thompson.

"Although my start wasn't very good, I can work on it before the next round. That's the best I've run since I came back from a slight niggle so I'm feeling confident."