Athletics: Robertson qualifies for 5000m final

Kiwi Zane Robertson (leading) training at altitude in Kenya earlier this year.

New Zealand runner Zane Robertson has qualified for the last spot in the men's 5000m final at the world track and field championships.

The Ethiopia-based athlete will now line up against track greats such as Brit Mo Farah and American Bernard Lagat at 4.45am on Saturday (New Zealand time).

The 23-year-old posted a time of 13m 27.89s in the first heat to finish ninth. The top five from each heat, plus the five next fastest runners qualified for the final. Only six athletes ran quicker times in the second heat.

Robertson set a personal best of 13m 13.83s to qualify for the event in Belgium last month. The time ranks third on New Zealand's all-time 5000m list behind Adrian Blincoe and Dick Quax.

Robertson twin brother Jake raced the second heat but finished out of the reckoning in 14m 09.50s. Jake made the final at the 2011 world championships in South Korea.

Zane Robertson was a late addition to the New Zealand team but has fully justified his place. He prepared for the event under coach Steve Willis in St Moritz. Willis has previously guided brother Nick at major championships.