Kim Deok-hyeon on Thursday became the first South Korean to qualify for the long jump final at the World Championships in Athletics, while his compatriots in other events were knocked out early.

Kim, considered South Korea's best hope for a top-10 finish, was 11th best in the qualification at 8.02 meters. The top 12 jumpers or those who cleared at least 8.15 meters reached the next round.

Kim, mostly a triple jumper doing his first long jump this year, reached 7.86 meters in his first attempt. He went 7.99 meters in the next try before ending his qualification at 8.02 meters. He holds the Korean record of 8.20 meters.

"It was a close call, and it feels great," said Kim, who missed the final at the 2009 championships in Berlin by 2 centimeters. "I expected other jumpers to struggle a bit, and I felt 8.05 meters would be the cut-off line."

The final is scheduled for Friday evening. Kim will also compete in triple jump on Friday morning.

"Since I have to do triple jump in the morning, I may not be in top shape for long jump," Kim said. "My record in the final may not be as good as today, but I will try my best."

The men's 4x400ｍ relay team set the South Korean record at 3 minutes and 04.05 seconds, but the team of Park Bong-go, Lim Chan-ho, Lee Jun and Seong Hyeok-je still ranked last in their heat of eight teams and was eliminated.

(Yonhap News)