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Nick Willis wins heat - Source: Getty Images -
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Nick Willis has cruised through to Monday morning's 1500m semi-finals.
Willis won his heat this morning at the Olympic Stadium in a time of 3mins 40.92secs.
The Lower Hutt born and raised middle distance runner controlled his race - the slowest of the three heats - with aplomb coasting to victory and leaving plenty of gas in the tank fro Monday.
"I have ticked that box now," he said.
"My legs lacked zip but they will be better for the blow out."
Willis' main rivals, including defending Olympic and reigning world champion Asbel Kiprop, 23, of Kenya, and Silas Kiplagat, who beat him in the Delhi Commonwealth Games final, coasted through the heats.
However, there was one major casualty. Kenyan Nixon Chepseba tripped twice in Willis' heat and finished at the back of the field and because the heat was so slow the sub 3min 30sec runner is out.