PLYMOUTH’S David King eased into the semi-finals of the 110m hurdles at the European Championships in Berlin on Thursday morning.

King clocked 13.65 seconds to finish second in his heat and secure automatic qualification.

European’s top 12 ranked hurdlers, which included King’s Great Britain team-mate Andy Pozzi, were given a bye straight through to the semi-finals.

King, though, was quite happy to have an extra round before Friday evening’s tough semis.

“It’s nice for me,” said King. “I’m pushing to reach the final but I need a run in a heat and a semi to do that. The heat is a nice build-up.

“It was a good one to start with. I’m happy.”