It looked like Andreas Kramer was in full control of his attempt.
He started second and it was a position he maintained throughout the race despite attacks from several different directions.
In the race, he left the others together with the Belgian Elliott Crestan and took one of the two direct places to the semi-finals.
- They have changed the layout a little in the 800 meters and the trial heats looked very tough in advance with only two advancing.
There were mainly three of us who fought for the first two places and now the Dutchman Tony van Diepen went out, who is a very difficult competitor, says Kramer to SVT Sport after the race.
He is satisfied with his performance:
- I felt strong and come in with good confidence and I know I can run in many different ways, I was prepared for Crestan to go up and hold some kind of pace and didn't feel stressed that I wasn't first either .
It went well according to plan even though I wasn't fully prepared for the attacks that came, but today I didn't have to be either because I know I'm strong on the last lap.
Now he gets a rest day before it's time for the semi-finals on Saturday.
- I really want to see myself in a final and I know I have a chance of a medal there if I do a good race and that's what I'm aiming for, says Kramer.
SVT broadcasts the indoor EC in athletics.