Stage is set for champion sprinter Bolt's swansong

Add as a preferred source on Google

Bengaluru, August 5: The stage is set for champion sprinter Usain Bolt's swansong in the blue riband race of the World Championships on Saturday.

The Jamaican star did not push himself much in the heats on Friday as he made the semifinals with an effort of 10.07.

The 30-year-old was cumbersome out of the blocks but he did not need to unduly exert himself to overhaul James Dasaolu (10.13) and Jimmy Vicaut (10.15), glancing insouciantly across at both of them as he eased past in the sixth heat.

Coming to London, there were also question marks surrounding his form and fitness ahead of his last competition before retirement.

But after Friday's relaxed effort, it looks as though the three-time champion is poised to bow out with his eighth individual title at the World Championships.

"The Finale. Let's do this," Bolt tweeted as he gets ready to bow out in style.

The Jamaican will need to start better than in Friday's heats but remains hot favourite to triumph at London Stadium in his final individual race, especially with his main rival -- Andre de Grasse of Canada -- out with a hamstring injury.

The semifinal will be held at 7.05pm local time (11.35pm IST) and the final at 9.45pm local time (2.15am, Sunday, IST)