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 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).
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.”
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.
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