LONDON, England — Two years after he took up the event seriously Leford Green is an Olympic finalist after running a season-best 48.61 seconds in a well-controlled semi-finals on yesterday's second day of the track and field programme at Olympic Stadium in Stratford, London.

Green, who was less than pleased with his first-round run on Friday morning, was ecstatic with his performance yesterday when he led for the first seven hurdles before backing off with the automatic qualifying spot secured, as American Michael Tinsley won in a season-best 48.18 seconds.

"This is it," he said he told himself coming into the race. "I think I have worked hard enough this year... had some setbacks and some struggles... this is my seventh hurdles race for the year, so that means my legs are fresh and did lots of 800m work."

He told reporters he and coach Lennox Graham had worked hard since he came off early season leg injuries. "I have been doing a lot of hurdling and I am strong enough to run home."

He said the 48 hours between the semis and the final would be enough for him to work out any kinks in his race. "We will build for the final and see if we can get it smoother."