LONDON (AP) — Usain Bolt built a big lead and jogged his way across the line to easily win his 100-meter Olympic semifinal in 9.87 seconds, setting up a chance for a second consecutive gold medal in the dash later Sunday.
Joining world-record holder Bolt in a star-studded final were all the expected contenders, including his Jamaican teammate and training partner, world champion Yohan Blake.
A third Jamaican qualified, former world-record holder Asafa Powell, as did the U.S. trio of 2004 Olympic champion Justin Gatlin, past world champion Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey.
Also into the final: 2008 Olympic silver medalist Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago, and Churandy Martina of the Netherlands.
Bolt got off to a slow start, accelerated quickly and eased up halfway through.
