Usain Bolt, easing to victory. Pix: IAAF

Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin moved a step closer to their highly anticipated Beijing showdown when both eased through the 100 metres heats on the opening day of the world championships on Saturday.

American Gatlin underlined his dominance of the sprints this season by storming to victory in the sixth heat in 9.83 seconds, the best time of the day at the Bird’s Nest stadium.

World record holder Bolt, whose season has been disrupted by joint problems, responded by winning the final heat in 9.96, a time which ranked fifth behind Gatlin, American Trayvon Bromell (9.91), France’s Jimmy Vicaut (9.92) and Asafa Powell (9.95).

Qatar’s Femi Ogunode won the third heat in 9.99, edging out Ramon Gittens of Barbados (10.02) and Ben Youssef Meite of Ivory Coast (10.05). Britain’s Richard Kilty also advanced from this heat as a fastest non-automatic qualifier, finishing fourth in 10.12.

The Olympic and world champion knows that fast times in heats do not win gold medals, however, and was satisfied with going under 10 seconds to reach the semi-finals, which take place along with the final on Sunday.

“It was okay,” said the 29-year-old Jamaican. “The execution was okay too. I still have some adjustments, just have to concentrate on my technique now.

“I know Gatlin was running very easy but that is how it is. I am not worried, I want to get faster in the semi-final and get something more in the final.”

With the sport in the midst of a crisis over doping allegations, the blue riband sprint has been billed as a battle for the soul of athletics with Gatlin, who has served two doping bans, cast as the villain.

A few boos tumbled down from the stands as he was announced before his heat but the 33-year-old former Olympic and world champion showed his usual focus to win his heat in style.

“My coach told me to go out there and make sure to qualify, I felt safe after like 50 metres so did not have to push it too much,” Gatlin said.

“We are here to do our business. It is not about individuals. It’s not basketball or football but we do it for our event, for the 100 metres. We want to show our best.”