Ohuruogu outclassed by rival Richards; Ennis continues to impress

From James Toney and Tom Oldfield, Sportsbeat, in Berlin

 CHRISTINE Ohuruogu was given a stark reminder of the task ahead as she progressed to Sunday's 400m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

ALL SMILES: Jessica Ennis leads the heptathlon after victories in the 100m hurdles and high jump at the Olympiastadion this morning

The reigning world and Olympic champion, who has struggled with injuries all season, was beaten in her heat by arch-rival Sanya Richards.

The American one-lapper has dominated the Grand Prix and Golden League circuit in 2009 and while doubts persist over her abilities to run through the rounds at major championships, she looked cool and controlled as she crossed the line in 51.06 seconds.

Ohuruogu - in her first race since winning the Aviva national championships in Birmingham over one month ago - finished in 51.30 secs.

"I was happy to have Christine in there with me - it gave me a bit of extra motivation," admitted Richards.

"I'm not getting ahead of myself though - it's only the heats."

Ohuruogu's British team-mate Nicola Sanders, who has also struggled with injuries this season, was second in her heat in 51.64 secs.

The silver medallist from Osaka two years ago tired dramatically in the closing stages and was overhauled on the line by Russia's Antonina Krivoshapka.

"I just wanted to get that out of the way," said Sanders.

"The semi-finals are going to be really competitive tomorrow and anyone could take it, just like in Osaka. I'm just looking to get into the final and then I will see what happens.

"Maybe I can surprise everyone like I did two years ago, my injury is no longer on my mind when I run now - it does not bother me anymore."

Botswana's Amantle Montsho was the quickest qualifier in the only sub-51 second time, 50.65 secs.

Meanwhile, Jessica Ennis increased her lead in the heptathlon but narrowly failed to improve on her 1.95-metre personal best in the high jump.

Ennis was the only athlete to clear 1.92m - a season's best - and now leads the competition with 2267 points - nearly points ahead of nearest rival, American Sharon Day.

Olympic champion, Ukrainian Nataliya Dobrynska, is sixth with the 200m to follow later today.

"I felt really close to jumping 1.95m," said Ennis.

"I was quite nervous before the hurdles and I had it in the back of my mind that something was going to go wrong. I was really happy to run under 13 seconds.

"I'm just hoping to build up a good lead going into the shot. It's just a massive relief to be back at a major championship after missing last year's Olympics."