London 2017: Laura Muir makes impressive start to 1500m medal challenge as she eases through to semi-final
Britain's top middle distance runner ensures smooth progress into Saturday's semis as Jessica Judd sets personal best in opening heat
LAURA MUIR made an impressive start to her bid for World Championships glory as she eased through to the semi-finals of the 1500 metres.
Britain's London 2017 poster girl is one of the team's big medal hopes this year - and she showed no sign of the pressure on her shoulders with a composed heat on the opening day of competition.
The 24-year-old made sure she stayed out of trouble as she spent the majority of the race tucked in second to avoid being blocked in by her rivals.
And the Scot was in full control as she came home fourth in 4mins 8.97secs, with the top six making it through to Saturday's semi-final.
Muir said: "I just wanted to get through, save as much energy as possible, stay out of harm’s way. Job done.
I wanted top six. It’s great to get started, it has been a long time coming.
"The support is phenomenal. I am excited to be in the semi-final.
"Women’s 1500m running is probably the best it has ever been. I am chuffed I got through. I hope the semi-final goes well.”
Muir will be joined in the next round by her three British team-mates as Jess Judd, Laura Weightman and Sarah McDonald all progressed from the heats.
Judd led from the front with a bold run, securing a personal best time of 4:03.50secs in Heat One.
She said: “I cannot believe it, the crowd was amazing.
"I went off too fast. My dad told me not to. I controlled it. The last lap hurt. I thought I would race the race of my life.
"I am just so happy. I am normally in the zone but I am so nervous.”