One-time World Championships silver medallist Habiba Ghribi topped the timesheets as she advanced to the women's 3000m steeplechase final in Beijing.

Tunisian star Ghribi, who won Olympic silver at London 2012, was the fastest in Monday's heats, clocking a time of nine minutes, 24.38 seconds at the Beijing National Stadium.

Ghribi, who missed IAAF's 2013 showpiece event in Moscow due to a knee injury, coasted through to the final alongside German Gesa Felicitas Krause (9:24.92) and Ethiopia's Hiwot Ayalew (9:25.55).

Indian Lalita Babar also qualified for the final after breaking the national record with a time of 9:27.86 - eighth fastest overall across three heats.

Reigning world champion Christine Ohuruogu's title defence remains on track following Monday's successful run in the women's 400m heats.

Ohuruogu, who won Olympic gold at the Beijing Games seven years ago and became the first British woman to clinch a second world title in Moscow, progressed to the semi-final with a time of 51.01 seconds.

The 31-year-old's effort was 11th-fastest overall.

Jamaican duo Stephenie Ann McPherson (50.34secs) and Shericka Jackson (50.41secs), and Romania's Bianca Razor (50.37secs) posted the three quickest times to reach the semis.

Elsewhere, 2011 World Championship silver medallist Martina Strutz, Nikoleta Kyriakopoulou and Fabiana Murer all qualified for the women's pole vault final after clearing 4.55m.

Also clearing the mark were Michaela Meijer, Sandi Morris and Li Ling.

Pan American Games champion Denia Caballero is the woman to beat after registering a throw of 65.15m in the discus heats.

Sandra Perkovic (64.51m) and Nadine Muller (64.39m) were among 11 others to qualify for the final.

Meanwhile, American Jeff Henderson was the star of the show as he booked his spot in the final of the men's long jump.
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Henderson produced an 8.36m jump, better than Greg Rutherford (8.25m) and Mike Hartfield (8.13m).