Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin looked in fine form as they ran the fastest times of the 200 metres semi-finals to set up a second sprint showdown at the World Championships.
Bolt beat Gatlin when they clashed for the first time this year in the 100 metres final.
The Jamaican looked relaxed and took time to chat with a fellow competitor as he approached the line to win his heat with his first sub-20 second time of the year.
The 29-year-old, unbeaten in his favourite event at a major global championships since he won 200 metres gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said he still had something left in the tank for the final after clocking 19.95 seconds.
“Bit tired, as expected,” the world record holder said.
“Just trying to get as much rest as possible and trying to get through these rounds. Right now I’m feeling okay. I didn’t run a hard corner. I ran maybe 90 percent.”
Gatlin already ran the third fastest time of the year in 19.87 seconds to win the second heat, however, getting off to a blistering start and able to ease up slightly in the last few metres before crossing the line.
The 33-year-old American, who has lost five years of his career to doping bans, is unbeaten in the half-lap event since 2013.
“For me, my 200 is my best event,” Bolt said. “I live for this, so I’m looking forward to it. I know I’m going to do well.”