VIENNA, March 1: World record holder Colin Jackson made an impressive start in his bid for a third 60 metres hurdles gold medal at the European Indoor Championships with the fastest qualifying time Friday.

Jackson, who turned 35 last month, won the fourth heat in 7.55 seconds, well clear of Sweden’s Robert Kronberg in second.

Jackson, who has been dogged by injury the past few seasons, last won gold at these championships in Paris in 1994.

Defending champion Stanislavs Olijars of Latvia also had no problems in qualifying for Saturday’s semifinals, winning his heat in 7.61 seconds — the second fastest time of the day.

There were few surprises elsewhere on the opening day at Vienna’s Ferry Dusika Stadium.

Britain’s Daniel Caines, world indoor champion over 400m, proved his speed over the shorter distance by topping the qualifying for the men’s 200m with a personal best of 20.67 seconds.

Poland’s Robert Mackowiak was the second fastest with 20.75, while defending champion Christian Malcolm won his heat in 20.82 to go through to the semifinals later on Friday.

Defending women’s champion Muriel Hurtis of France eased into the semifinals of the 200m with the fastest qualifying time.

Hurtis, ranked top in Europe this season, eased up in the final 50 metres of her heat but still clocked 22.74 seconds.

Austrian medal hope Karin Mayr, ranked second behind Hurtis, also qualified comfortably, winning her heat in 22.82.—Reuters