Gay and Wariner cruise

With Michelle Perry winning the 100m hurdles earlier in the day, golden boys Jeremy Wariner and Tyson Gay impressed in continuing their progress in the 400m and 200m respectively.

Olympic and World Champion Wariner (pictured), 23, actually seemed to slow down to a standstill in his semi final triumph, but still posted a time of 44.34 seconds, with team-mates LaShawn Merritt (44.31) and Angelo Taylor (44.45) also winning their races with ease.

Gay, 100m champion already and bidding for a historic double, was similarly impressive, jogging in to set a time of 20 seconds dead in the second semi final despite easing off over the last 40 metres.

"I had a little [hamstring] trouble at the start and in the curve. Whatever I've got left in the tank is for the final. I'm going to give it all I've got."

Compatriot Wallace Spearmon was also a comfortable qualifier in his semi, although he finished behind the powerful Usain Bolt of Jamaica.

"When it comes to the final it is going to be all out," Bolt declared.

"Whoever is in the best shape of his life is going to win."

Rodney Martin (USA) and Churandy Martina (Netherlands Antilles) additionally qualified from the first semi with Marvin Anderson, Chris Williams (both Jamaica) and Anastásios Goúsis of Greece also made the final.