MOLLY Long cruised into the final of the 800m at the European Under 20 Championships, in Sweden, this afternoon.
Controlling the race for the start the 18-year-old Bristol & West AC runner led at the bell in 63.86secs and then began to stretch out the field down the back straight.
Only Belgium’s Renee Eykens, who was the fastest athlete in the field, stayed with Long and sprinted past the Brit in the final 50 metres for victory in 2mins 06.32secs with Long a stride behind in 2:06.87secs.
Long was the sixth fastest qualifier for the final, in which she will be joined by GB team-mate Mhairi Hendry. The top two in each qualified for the final at 5.15pm on Saturday.
Clubmate Freddie Owsley is due in action in the heats of the 200m at 8pm tomorrow night.