Athletics: Brunner, Dolphin qualify

MELBOURNE - New Zealand long jumper Chantal Brunner eased into the Commonwealth Games women's final after a mixed performance in qualifying today.

The Wellington lawyer fouled her first and third jumps at the Melbourne Cricket Ground but her second effort of 6.33m was enough to book a place in Friday's 12-woman final.

The top qualifier was Australian's Bronwyn Thompson, who reached 6.71m in her only attempt.

Brunner has been to the last three Commonwealth Games, recording finishes of sixth, sixth and fifth in the long jump.

Earlier today, sprinter James Dolphin reached the 200m sprint semifinals with a time of 20.93 seconds in the heats, appearing to have plenty in reserve. It was good enough for second in his heat, just behind Australian Daniel Batman, and the 12th fastest time among 46 entrants.

The quickest run was clocked by Jamaica's Chris Williams, with 20.49sec.

Heptathletes Rebecca Wardell and Sarah Cowley maintained their respective overnight positions of eighth and 11th after this morning's long jump.

Wardell jumped 5.77m to improve her overall points total to 4133 while Cowley's best of 5.53m carried her to 3914 points.

Leader Kelly Sotherton was on 4932 points with the javelin and 800m remaining, having improved her lead at the top.

- NZPA