OLI Bromby is safely though to the men’s 100 metres semi-finals at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

With three automatic qualifiers to progress from each heat, the 18-year-old Southampton AC sprinter from Shirley finished a close second in 10.52 seconds at the Zawisza Stadium.

Ahead of him was Australian Jack Hale, who clocked 10.48.

Making the semi-finals is a fine achievement for Bromby, who is ranked 27th fastest of all the entrants and was pitted against three quicker men in his heat.

Coach Gary Gray, who is out in Poland supporting Bromby, said: "Oli's immediate reaction to his run was 'average!' - mostly because it was a case of blowing the cobwebs away after a few weeks' not racing.

"We were pleased that his mid-race brought him up to and level with Australian Jack Hales (who showed Oli a clean pair of heels in Mannheim last month) before he eased down, safe in the knowledge that qualification was in the bag.

"The semis were a realistic prospect and Oli over-performed on season's bests, clearly outpacing 10.27 performer Ippei Takeda of Japan.

"Qualification for the final is a tall order and would require a personal best -shattering run, but there is all to play for."

Fellow Briton Rechmial Miller of Hercules Wimbledon was also runner-up in his heat, posting 10.44.

The semi-finals are scheduled for tomorrow (July 20), starting at 6.20pm UK time. The final follows at 8.35pm.

Bromby will also be involved in the 4x100m relay which gets going on Friday (July 22).