Donald Smith, international athletics commentator

No surprises at all from the heats of the women’s 100m. All the athletes who were expected to advance, have.

Yes, there may have been one or two ladies who you might have said were a shoo-in to advance but their season has been plagued with injuries, as is the case with Murielle Ahouré- Demps who missed out on one of the non-automatic qualifying spots.

In terms of the actual visuals of the heats, five-time World 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (11.01s) and reigning 200m World champion Shericka Jackson (11.06s) looked very impressive.

No great energy was exerted by either in advancing, and that conservation will serve them well in the semis. Julien Alfred (10.99s) of St Lucia didn’t get the best of starts but she was easy in the end to advance.

The same for the in form American Sha’Carri Richardson who, with a sluggish start, was also impressive in advancing with the fastest time of the round to boot at 10.92s. She, I think, is the athlete with the most to prove in Budapest — which could either be a burden or a catalyst, depending on how things pan out for her.

The Ivorian Marie-Josée Ta Lou (11.08s), Ewa Swoboda (10.98s) of Poland with her trademark fast start, and Brittany Brown of the USA all looked good in advancing as well.

The Brits in Daryll Neita (11.03s) and Dina Asher-Smith (11.04s) had to play second fiddle in their heats but did enough to advance. This certainly sets up what is expected to be some epic clashes in the semis. Experience may very well prove to be the most vital ingredient for that round.

Trishana McGowan, broadcast journalist

The women’s 100m is the biggest race at the World Championships, not just from a Jamaican point of view but also in terms of overall depth.

I still believe we’ll walk away with the gold and silver medals but Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson [are] making it difficult to choose in which order.

Sha’Carri Richardson looked controlled as well but more rounds to come, so let’s see.

Daveon Nugent, sports producer

For me there were no real surprises in the heats; all the major contenders came and marked the register. Sha’Carri Richardson, in her usual style, showboated her way to the fastest time of the round [with] 10.92 seconds.

It was also pleasant to see veteran sprinter Shelly- Ann Fraser-Pryce execute a strong start after her knee injury scare. The likes of Shericka Jackson, who is my favourite to win the final, Dina Asher-Smith, and Julien Alfred also looked good while not running all out.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the semi-finals as all the semi-finals will have lots of quality, and there will be no place to hide, and the ladies will have to come and put on good performances to make the finals.

Andre Lowe, sports journalist

The heats did not provide any surprises but this is bound to change in today’s semi-finals, especially considering the lane draw.

I believe Shericka Jackson is in the best shape mentally and physically and it will take something very special to beat her here — I am even more convinced of this after seeing her first-round effort.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has had to overcome a knee injury this season and has not had the kind of preparation that she would have liked, but she is a warrior and she knows how to get the job done at this level.

If she is here it is because she believes she can win; and although I think the lack of races and setbacks will affect her, I have full trust that her unmatched quality, experience, resilience and belief will push her to the podium. Sha’Carri Richardson seems calm and remains confident.

She will play a big part in the final and will be battling with Marie Josee Ta Lou and Dina Asher- Smith for the remaining medal.