Morocco's Benhassi makes it to semi finals of 1,500 women in Athens

Moroccan athlete Hasna Benhassi made it on Tuesday to the semi finals of the 1,500 women race at the Olympic stadium of Athens.

Benhassi, who became on Monday Olympic vice-champion in the 800m, finished fifth in the 1,500 m heats, running the distance in 4:05.98.

The race was won by Russia's Natalya Yevdokimova in 4mn05:55, followed by 800 m Olympic champ, British Kelly Holmes (4:05.58), Bulgaria's Daniela Yordanova (4:05.87) and French Maria Martins (4:05.95).

The five first athletes in each of the three series will compete directly in the semi finals on August 26, together with the athletes who scored the nine best timings.

The women's 1,500 m finals will take place on August 8.