Staff Reporter.
Defending 200m world champion Shericka Jackson sent a message to 100m gold medallist Sha’Carri Richardson she will not give her crown up lightly, easing home in front of her in their semifinal on Thursday.
Jackson, silver medallist in Monday’s 100m final, timed 22.00sec with Richardson having to battle to edge Ivorian veteran Marie-Josee Ta Lou for the second automatic qualifying spot.
Richardson clocked 22.20sec while 2017 world silver medallist Ta Lou went through as one of the two fastest losers for Friday’s final.
Richardson, bidding to become only the fourth woman to do the sprint double, may not even be the USA’s favourite for the final.
Olympic bronze medallist Gabby Thomas posted the fastest time of the three semifinals of 21.97sec.
The 26-year-old, who beat Richardson in the US trials, came off the bend behind Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, but cruised past her to cross the line in 21.97sec.
The 2019 champion Asher-Smith, disappointed by her performance in the 100m final, took the second automatic qualifying spot after clocking 22.28sec.
Julien Alfred produced an assured performance for someone so inexperienced at the top level.
The 22-year-od St Lucia sprinter – fifth in the 100m – made her way past three of her rivals to win her semifinal in 22.17sec.
Asher-Smith’s teammate Daryll Neita also progressed.
Anthonique Strachan of the Bahamas fills out the final spots as the other second fastest loser.