Commonwealth Games: Kiwis progress in 800m and high jump

Nikki Hamblin, left, in action at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Photo / Greg Bowker

Angie Smit and Nikki Hamblin both made it through to the semifinals of the 800m after not finishing in the first three in their heats for automatic qualification.

They were both lucky to be in the fastest two of the four heats, so their times were enough to earn them qualification.

Smit was in second place in her heat as the field broke lanes in the back straight but was unable to kick on.

"That last 100m my legs just completely went, I wasn't quite expecting that last 100 to be that painful," said Smit.

"I felt good before the race but with a 100 to go I just really locked up."

Hamblin said that she was very lucky to draw the fourth heat, as it gave her an extra 20 minutes recovery after her 1500m final yesterday.

"Angie and I pretty much ran the same time," Hamblin said.

"And two New Zealanders in the semifinals of the 800 at the Comm Games - that's pretty awesome."

The semifinals of the 800m are set to begin at 5.50am NZT on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, Sarah Cowley has made it into the final of the high jump.

After a few anxious moments in clearing 1.81m, Cowley soared over 1.85m, which put her into the final on Friday evening NZT.

"It's just great to be in the final," said Cowley.