Gatlin Beats Bolt’s 100m Heat Timing to Qualify for Semi-Finals

American Gatlin won his heat in 9.83 seconds while Bolt managed it in 9.96. The final is on Sunday.

Usain Bolt reacts after his opening heat at the World Championships in Beijing. (Photo: AP)

Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin moved a step closer to their highly anticipated Beijing showdown when both eased through the 100 metres heats on the opening day of the world championships on Saturday.

American Justin Gatlin during his 100m heat at the World Championships. (Photo: AP)

American Gatlin underlined his dominance of the sprints this season by storming to victory in the sixth heat in 9.83 seconds, the best time of the day at the Bird’s Nest stadium.

World record holder Bolt, whose season has been disrupted by joint problems, responded by winning the final heat in 9.96, a time which ranked fifth behind Gatlin, American Trayvon Bromell (9.91), France‘s Jimmy Vicaut (9.92) and Asafa Powell (9.95).

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, second right, runs in a men’s round one heat of the 100m at the World Athletics Championships. (Photo: AP)

The Olympic and world champion knows that fast times in heats do not win gold medals, however, and was satisfied with going under 10 seconds to reach the semi-finals, which take place along with the final on Sunday.

“It was okay,” said the 29-year-old Jamaican. “The execution was okay too. I still have some adjustments, just have to concentrate on my technique now.

“I know Gatlin was running very easy but that is how it is. I am not worried, I want to get faster in the semi-final and get something more in the final.”

Jamaica’s Asafa Powell competes in the first round of the Men’s 100m at the World Athletics Championships. (Photo: AP)

Former world record holder Powell added to his unmatched collection of sub-10 second runs to win the opening heat, while 2007 world champion Tyson Gay was easing up when he crossed the line to win the second in 10.11.

Nigerian-born Qatari Femi Ogunode won the third in 9.99.