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Usain Bolt cruises into 200m semi-finals

Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin both ease into the 200m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships, alongside GB duo Zharnel Hughes and Danny Talbot.

Nine-time world champion Usain Bolt has cruised into the semi-finals of the men's 200m with victory in his heat.

The Jamaican, who has won the last three world titles over the distance, eased to a time of 20.28s, narrowly holding off a late surge from Roberto Skyers as he coasted over the line.

USA's Justin Gatlin, who missed out on the 100m title to Bolt on Sunday but has three of the five fastest 200m times this year, also comfortably booked his spot in the semis with 20.19s.

There was good news for Great Britain too as both Zharnel Hughes and Danny Talbot made the semis courtesy of top-three finishes in their respective heats.

Hughes, representing GB in a major event for the first time, put in a strong performance in the inside lane to win his heat with a time of 20.13s, edging out Julian Forte and Brendon Rooney.

Talbot, meanwhile, finished third in his heat with a time of 20.35s, falling just short of a personal best.

There was something of a shock in the opening heat, however, as USA's Isiah Young could only manage a sixth-place finish to crash out of the competition.

Miguel Francis also missed out on a place in the semis having eased up over the line and only managed fourth place in the final heat.

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Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica celebrates after winning gold in the Women's 100 metres final during day three of the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships Beijing 2015 at Beijing National Stadium on August 24, 2015
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