Athletics: Andy Turner underlined his status as a gold-medal contender at this week's European Championships after cruising through the heats of the 110m hurdles.

While defending champion Stanislav Olijar of Latvia fluffed his lines and was disqualified for a false start, Turner eased to victory, leading the field home at a canter in 13.48 seconds.

The 29-year-old's main rival for gold could yet be GB rival Will Sharman, who got the better of Turner at the European Trials, after the British No.2 also reached today's semi-final.

Despite looking impressive in qualifying, Turner warned his rivals he had plenty left in the tank.

"In the end it was a nice comfortable race. I didn't want to show all my cards too early and I didn't need to do that," said Turner.

"In a race like this you've got to just forget everybody around you and concentrate on your ten hurdles.

"I feel good – my Achilles problems have cleared up, I've had a full whack of training so I feel relaxed and refreshed.

"The person who wins gold in the final will be the one who makes the least mistakes so that's what it's all about from now on."

Turner, who claimed bronze at the 2006 European Championships, was expected to breeze through the heats after an impressive season that includes victory at the European Team Championships.

But after seeing the red flag go up for Olijar, the Hucknall flyer admitted he thought his dream was over.

"I was a little bit scared for a while because I saw that little red flag next to my name on the board and I thought I was out," he added.

"I knew I hadn't false started but it's been known to disqualify two people from a race so I was slightly worried.

"But I maintained my composure and did what I had to do. It was quite off-putting having Stanislav outside me getting disqualified as I was fully expecting him to be there or thereabouts.

"I ran a good time in Lausanne when I was in lane eight and the guy inside me got disqualified.

"It's just about focusing on your hurdles. While it is nice to have someone pushing you on, you really just need to concentrate on yourself."

Aviva's support, both at home and abroad, is helping the team prepare to compete at their best. Watch the Aviva GB & NI Team live in action at the Aviva London Grand Prix. For more details visit aviva.co.uk/athletics