Three Aussies through to 400m semis

COMMONWEALTH champion John Steffensen has led a three-pronged Australian attack into the semi-finals of the men's 400m at the world athletics championships in Berlin.
Steffensen has struggled to make an impact on the world stage in the last couple of years, but looked back to near his best in finishing second in his heat on Tuesday in 45.37 seconds behind reigning Olympic champ LaShawn Merritt from the US.

Sean Wroe was the fastest of the Australians in 45.31, while Joel Milburn eased up well before the line and still managed a season's best of 45.56.

It was an encouraging all-round display ahead of the 4x400m relay later in the championships, where Australia is a genuine medal hope.

``Lane three was good, I was pretty blessed with the lane draw and being up against LaShawn,'' said Steffensen, who qualified for the individual final at the 2005 world titles.

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