Richardson cruises into semi-finals

Britain's Mark Richardson cruised into the semi-finals of the 400 metres at the World Championships in Edmonton.  

Richardson, one of the contenders to inherit the crown left vacant by Michael Johnson, finished second in his first-round heat in the Commonwealth Stadium.

He clocked 45.66 seconds after lining up in a major championships for the first time since being reinstated following his 18-month drug suspension.

The Slough-born runner eased himself into Sunday's semi-final behind Grenada's Alleyne Francique who came home just 0.02 secs ahead.

Richardson, who pulled out of last year's Olympics to clear his name after testing positive for nandrolone, has been trying to play down his chances.

But with four-time champion and world record holder Johnson retired and having made the switch to the commentary box, Richardson could come away with a medal with the event wide open.