Mozambican verteran Maria Mutola clocked 1minute and 58.92 seconds in the women's 800 meters qualification at the Beijng Olympics on Friday.
The Sydney Olympic champion bettered her season best, though was still under her personal best of 1:55.19.
Marilyn Okoro from Britian entered the next round at 1:59.01, and the following was Lucia Klocova of Slovakia at 1: 59.42.
Russia's Svetlana Klyuka, Tatiana Andrianova and Ekaterina Kostetskaya all advanced to the next round. The Russian trio are widely expected to secure Russia's dominance in the event.
"I am satisfied, but I had not done as well as I hoped. I feel a bit tense, since this is my first Olympics," said Klyuka after the match.
Jennifer Meadows from Britain, who qualified at 2:03.18 said: "I was so nervous, but there is all the excitement. I am always nervous for round one. But I just need to go through it."
(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2008)