BERLIN (AP) — Jamaican's Usain Bolt easily advanced to the second round of the 200 meters today at the world championships in Berlin.
Olympic champion LaShawn Merritt and defending champion and former Baylor standout Jeremy Wariner qualified for tomorrow's semifinals in the 400.
Bolt, two days after setting a world record of 9.58 seconds to win the 100, was sleepy going into the stadium and still set the early morning alight by winning his heat. His 20.70 was 1.40 off his world record.
Bolt, in the absence of injured American and defending champion Tyson Gay, is the overwhelming favorite for gold. British sprinter Dwain Chambers also pulled out of the event due to an injury after finishing sixth in the 100 final.
The final for the 200 is set for Thursday.