Bolt and Blake set for next showdown

Usain Bolt will get the chance to defend his 200m Olympic title after a comfortable victory in his semi-final last night.

Attempting to become the first person ever to win both sprint titles in successive Olympic Games, Bolt burst to the front early and jogged down the home straight to take the line a good yard ahead of his nearest competitor — stopping the clock in a time of 20.18 seconds.

“It’s all about going through as easy as possible,” the Jamaican said. “I did that pretty well so I’m happy.”

Asked if he could break the 19.19 seconds world record he set in Berlin in 2009 Bolt said: “It’s a possibility. I can’t say but the track is fast so it’s going to be a good race.”

Bolt’s closest rival, 100m runner-up Yohan Blake, is also into the final after winning his heat — although he very nearly made a mess of it after easing down violently before the line.

The Jamaican led from the blocks and crossed the line in 20.01s while almost at a standstill, with American Wallace Spearmon — going flat out to hold off Christophe Lemaitre — less than a hundredth of a second behind.

Lemaitre, who opted not to run the 100m to focus on this event, eventually grabbed a fastest loser spot in the final after running 20.03s.

“I’ve been working really hard at this 200m,” Blake said afterwards. “I need to execute well and see what happens. It’s always a good chance for me in this event. [Racing Bolt again] is going to be interesting.”

Bolt, however, does not believe his younger training partner has the ability to beat him in Thursday evening’s final.

“No doubt whatsoever [that I will beat Blake],” Bolt said.

“I’m ready. This is my favourite event. People always doubt the champion but I never doubt myself.”

In the last of the three semi-finals another Jamaican, Warren Weir, booked his place in the final behind European champion and this year’s Olympic 100 metres finalist ChurandyMartina — who won the race in a time of 20.17s.