Moscow - Two-time Olympic champion Felix Sanchez moved a step closer to making history in the World Athletics Championships on Tuesday as he reached the 400 metres hurdles final.
The Dominican Republic superstar - who turns 36 on August 30 - can become the first man to win the world title three times and looked on form in posting his fastest time of the season of 48.10 seconds in finishing second.
Defending champion Dai Greene's fears he would not make the final proved well founded as the Welshman, who has been suffering from a fever, finished fifth in Sanchez's semi-final which was won by Cuban Omar Cisneros in a world best time for the year of 47.93sec.
Both the other Olympic medalists made it through in the shape of American silver medalist Michael Tinsley and Puerto Rico's bronze medalist Javier Culsom as they won and finished second in their respective heats.
American Kerron Clement kept his hopes alive of regaining the title he won in 2007 and 2009 by going through as one of the two fastest losers.
However, there are no such hopes for his compatriot and 2005 world champion Bershawn Jackson, the 30-year-old falling to the track clutching his right hamstring after just the second hurdle of his semi-final.