Athletics: Willis cruises into 1500m semifinal

8.15am - By KEVIN NORQUAY

ATHENS - New Zealander Nick Willis has cruised into the Olympic Games 1500m semifinals, running like a wily veteran to take third in his heat.

Willis, 21, looked as if he had been around international 1500m running for years, rather than being a raw Olympic Games newcomer.

He dropped to the inside lane at the back of the field waiting for gaps he said he knew would come, then pounced in the last 100m.

There was no doubt Willis would qualify for the semifinals as one of the first five home as he shot past beaten runners, easing off when he was safe.

Estevez Reyes of Spain took the heat -- the second of three -- in a sedate three minutes 39.71seconds, from 2004 world leader Bernard Lagat of Kenya.

Lagat was given the same time as Willis -- 3min 39.80sec.

Moroccan world champion Hicham el Guerrouj won the first heat in 3min 37.86sec, with Michael East of Great Britain claiming the third in 3min 37.37sec.

Willis, who was relaxed and smiling in the warm-up room before the race, punched the air in delight as he crossed the line.

He was still smiling when he talked to reporters, saying he never doubted his plan even when it looked as if he was hopelessly boxed in.

He had not wanted to run an extra metre, so never considered leaving the inside lane to go around the field.

- NZPA