NATHAN Douglas was pleased to negotiate a tricky qualifying round and reach the European Indoor Championships final, writes STUART WEIR.

The Oxford City triple jumper finished eighth with a season's best 16.48m to book his place in Sunday's showpiece.

Douglas opened with 16.10 amongst a field of 18 athletes chasing eight places.

His second attempt of 16.48 put him seventh going into the final round.

Down to go last, the 36-year-old was then able to pass on his third jump as he had already qualified after only one athlete bettered his effort.

Douglas, competing at the event for the first time since winning silver in 2007, was thrilled to progress.

He said: "It's just nice to get through to the final.

"At times the qualifying round can be a bit tricky – probably the most nervous part of the competition. 

"Because I was last to jump, I could wait and see what everyone had done and luckily I did not have to jump in the third round. 

"On the other hand, it's not nice having to wait for 17 other jumpers to go before you.

"You just have to stay calm, be positive and believe you can do it."