Iwan Thomas was coolness personified as he made a safe passage through to today's World Championship Trials semi-finals at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.

Southampton's European and Commonwealth champion is well on the comeback trail after two years dogged by injury and had an air of relaxed confidence about him as he led home the first heat in 46.91 seconds last night.

"It was easy," said the 27-year-old from Netley. "It's the same as it is every year. You just try and do enough to win. If anything, I went off a bit too steadily.

"I didn't feel at all nervous out there, but I will do in the semi-finals!"

Rather than bolt the first part of the race, Thomas took it gently in his stride, opening up down the back straight and turning on the power round the bend to enter the home straight in a clear lead.

Chasing him all the way was his former training partner, 24-year-old Pete Brend of the Team Solent club, who came a strong-finishing second in 47.20. Brend, a AAA's semi-finalist last year and looking to go one better this time round, is now coached by Todd Bennett in Southampton, while Thomas remains under the guidance of Thornhill sprint guru Mike Smith.

Said Thomas: "Heats like that are always tough with people like Pete running hard to qualify. It was great to look over my shoulder and see him there. Pete and I have been big mates for ages and it's nice to see him running so well."

Thomas, competing in the colours of Newham & Essex Beagles, was easily the evening's fastest qualifier on the track where, four years ago to the very day, he set the British record of 44.36 seconds.

Fellow Welshman Jamie Baulch, who has had a injury-hit season so far, was second fastest after winning heat three in 47.08, while Brend - who has a personal best of 47.08 - placed third on the list of qualifiers.

Thomas's arch rival Mark Richardson, is not yet back to his best so soon after having his doping ban lifted, but he too went safely through to this evening's semi-finals (6.25pm) with a 47.46 win in the fourth and final heat.

Daniel Caines, the only Briton so far with the 45.72 qualifying time for next month's Wor;ld Championships in Edmonton, Canada, pulled out of the trials with a bruised fibula.

There was no sign either of the unpredictable Du'aine Thorne-Ladejo, who had been rumoured to be doubling up the 400 metres with his new specialist event, the 400 metres hurdles.