Ryan Mphahlele kept his medal hopes alive on Friday night, booking his place in the final of the men's 1500m event on Day 1 of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Competing in the second of four heats, with the top three athletes in each race progressing to Sunday night's final, Mphahlele delivered a well-timed performance. 

The 25 year-old middle distance runner sat back for the first half of the race, before working his way through the field to finish third in his heat in 3:42.97.

In the next race on the programme, national record holder Tshepo Tshite employed a similar tactic to his compatriot, though he stayed near the back of the line-up until launching a late assault on the final lap.

Tshite ultimately settled for fourth place in his heat in 3:46.70, missing out on a place in the final by 0.22.

Mphahlele will compete in the 1500m podium contest at 11.30pm (SA time) on Sunday evening.

Taylon Bieldt, the only other SA athlete participating in Glasgow, will turn out in the women's 60m hurdles heats at 12.25pm on Sunday.

Should she progress, she will compete in the semi-finals at 9.40pm in an attempt to secure a spot in the final at 11pm.

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS