Former winner Yohan Blake of Jamaica easily advanced to the next stage of the World Championships 100 metres on Friday (Sept 27) after winning Heat Four in Doha, Qatar in 10.07 seconds.

Blake, the 2011 champion, finished ahead of Jimmy Vicaut of

France, who did 10.08 seconds with Ivory Coast’s Arthur Cisse ending third in

10.14 as they sealed the three automatic spots from the heat to advance.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s other representative in the men’s 100

metres field, Tyquendo Tracey, ended Heat Two in fourth position with 10.21

seconds as Justin Gatlin of the United States of America won in 10.06 seconds.

Canada’s Andre De Grasse was second in 10.13 seconds with

the third automatic spot from the heat going to Great Britain’s Adam Gemili,

who clocked 11.19. Tracey and Edward Osei-NKetia of New Zealand moved on as

fastest qualifiers from the six heats.

Interestingly, Zharnel Hughes, who trains in Jamaica at

Racers Track Club won Heat Three. Hughes who runs for Great Britain finished

in 10.08 seconds and placed ahead of Nigeria’s Raymond Ekevwo who did 10.14 and

Liberia’s Emmanuel Matadi who clocked 10.19.

Christian Coleman of the USA was the fastest qualifier, as h

won Heat Six in 9.98 seconds, with South Africa’s Akani Simbine the next

fastest time with 10.01 to win Heat One. Gatlin’s time was the third fastest

with Blake being the next best.