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Rio Olympics: Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin Yohan Blake all through to 100m semi-finals

British pair CJ Ujah and James Dasalou also through

Usain Bolt (C) of Jamaica, Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago and James Dasaolu of Great Britain compete in the men's 100m at the Olympics in Rio
Image: Usain Bolt eased to victory with Britain's James Dasalou (L) also through

Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt safely negotiated the first round of the Olympic men's 100m on Saturday in the first step on his quest for an unprecedented "treble treble".

Bolt, seeking a third consecutive Olympic title in the blue riband event, clocked 10.07 seconds at the Olympic Stadium.

The 30-year-old world record holder, greeted with acclaim by the large vociferous crowd, will also bid to defend his 200m and 4x100m relay golds for the third time later in the week.

US Justin Gatlin (L) and Antigua's Daniel Bailey compete in the Men's 100m Round 1 at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium
Image: Justin Gatlin (L) ran the fastest time in the heats

Afterwards Bolt said he was pleased to have got off the mark without any problems.

"I'm feeling good. I'm happy. As I said, I've got the first one out of the way so I'm happy about that," Bolt said, predicting a fast semi-final.

"It's definitely going to be a good semifinal. There are a lot of guys running fast. It's good. It gets you running and gets you up to speed to go out there in the finals."

Chijindu Ujah of Great Britain competes in the Men's 100m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Image: Great Britain's CJ Ujah qualifies for the semis as one of the fastest losers

Fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake emerged victorious from his heat in 10.13s, with American Justin Gatlin also safely through clocking 10.01s to win his heat.

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Britain's CJ Ujah qualified in 10.13s and compatriot James Dasalou is also through after racing in Bolt's heat and finishing as one of the fastest losers.