Kiwi Robertson makes 5000m final

Zane Robertson qualified for the men's 5000m final at the world athletics championships as one of the fastest losers after finishing ninth in his heat.

NZ's shot put great Valerie Adams (C) has won her fourth straight world championships gold medal.

New Zealand runner Zane Robertson has slipped into the final of the men's 5000m at the world athletics championships in Moscow.

Robertson, 23, finished ninth in his heat, won by Hagos Gebrhiwet of Ethiopia, outside of the five automatic qualifying spots from the heat.

But his time of 13 minutes 27.89 seconds was enough to earn him the last of the 15 final spots as a fastest loser, earning him a finals berth and the chance to take on top-class runners like Olympic champion Mo Farah of Britain and Bernard Lagat of the United States.

Robertson's brother Jake wasn't so fortunate, finishing last of the 14 finishers in the second heat.

The final will be held on Friday morning NZ time.