London , England — Olympic champion Omar McLeod was the quickest into the final of the 110m hurdles with 13.10 seconds and has been joined by compatriot Hansle Parchment, who clocked 13.27 seconds.

The two qualifying is just like they did in 2015 at the Beijing World Championships, when Parchment grabbed the silver medal in 13.03 seconds. McLeod was fifth.

Two years on, they are in the final once again but this time McLeod enters as the Olympic champion and big favourite having clocked some of the fastest times this season.

McLeod, the world leader with 12.90 seconds, looked relaxed and conserved as he moved from the field for a easy victory. Garfield Darien of France was second in 13.17 seconds, and defending champion Sergey Shubenkov third in 13.22 seconds.

“I am aiming for the highest, and the gold is the highest. I am really hoping that my teammate and I can get two medals for Jamaica. That would be a great feeling,” said McLeod.

“I have been working on my start, but I know that I just have to do it the Omar McLeod way,” said the confident hurdler.

“My mum is here in the stadium. When I competed at the 2015 Worlds, that was a learning curve for me. I made the final. Now, in 2017, I kind of want a revenge for 2015 and just do me,” he added.

McLeod, who has been in splendid form, once again had to fend off questions about the possibility of him lowering Aries Merritt’s world record of 12.80 seconds.

“I am always confident. It is a privilege. I am getting better and better. I am not limiting myself, so if it [the world record] happens, it happens,” said McLeod.

Last month McLeod was expected to run a 100m race in the Diamond League against Usain Bolt and it was said that if he does, he might be able to fill a gap on Jamaica’s depleted 4x100m relay team. He has now confirmed it.

“I have heard that I might run in the 4x100m relay. Let’s see what happens, hopefully I will be selected,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, Parchment, with his usual slow start, powered through late and snatched second in semi-final two in 13.27 seconds and will enter the final with seventh fastest time. Shane Brathwaite of Barbados won in 13.26 seconds, with American Devon Allen third with 13.27 seconds, but he failed to advance.

“I am not worried, I am just thankful for making the final. That was the main aim to get to the next round, and I am happy. I just want to get back now and prepare myself for tomorrow,” said Parchment.

“I am never sharp on the start, but I will keep working on it and praying that tomorrow I will get a much better one. Big plans for the final,” he noted.

Earlier, the promising Ronald Levy failed to make it to the third hurdle and did not finish his first round heat. He clattered into the first and stumbled to the second ending his debut disappointingly.