Usain Bolt advances to 200m final, Justin Gatlin falls short

Mitch Phillips
World-Class Runners Literally Don't Have Time to Go Faster
World-Class Runners Literally Don't Have Time to Go Faster

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Usain Bolt and Andre de Grasse set up a showdown in the Olympic 200m final after crossing the line together in their semifinal on Wednesday but 100m silver medallist Justin Gatlin missed out along with Jamaican Yohan Blake.

Jamaican Bolt crossed in 19.78 with De Grasse clocking a Canadian record 19.80 despite both smiling and laughing at each other in the closing stages of the second of three heats.

SEE MORE: Everything you need to know about the Summer Olympics

American Gatlin looked well placed to join them as he led the third heat but he eased off prematurely and was overhauled in a mass finish on the line and his 20.13 was not good enough to make it as a fast loser.

Fellow American LaShawn Merritt was the only other man under 20 seconds and he also looked strong and comfortable going into Thursday's final.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)

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