Harry Aikines-Aryeetey of GBR falls in the 60m Semi-Final (© Getty Images)
Preevent favourite Dwain Chambers looked every inch the champion in waiting as he advanced to the final later tonight as the quickest qualifier blitzing to a 6.51 clocking to win the first semi-final.
The British athlete made a smooth start and once he effortlessly slipped through the gears the outcome of the race was never in question. Behind him, Jamaica's Nesta Carter recovered from a sluggish start to surge from dead last to take the second automatic qualification spot in 6.64.
Nigeria's former Africa Junior 100m silver medallist Peter Emelieze produced a solid run to claim third in 6.66. Liberia's Abraham Morlu equalled the Liberian record of 6.67 for fourth with Barakat Mubarek Al-Harthi of Oman, who also credited with 6.67, lowering his national record by 0.01 for fifth. Unfortunately for this trio, however, their competition ended at this point as they failed to secure one of the two fastest lower spots.
Trell Kimmons, a late replacement in the US team, appears to be making the most of his opportunity taking an impressive victory in the second semi-final in 6.55. Kimmons profited from a quick start and with his short-staccato stride powered clear of the rest of the field.
World Championship 100m fourth-placer Daniel Bailey has not quite looked as comfortable over the shorter distance, but he still managed to secure the second automatic qualification spot in 6.62 and became the first ever Antiguan finalist at a World Indoor Championships.
There was also joy for the home fans as Qatari Samuel Francis crossed the line third in 6.64 to advance to the final as one of two fastest losers. Ibrahim Kabia set a Sierra Leone record of 6.65 for fourth.
There was heartbreak, however, for Great Britain's former World Junior 100m champion Harry Aikines-Aryeetey who crashed to the track after 30m with what appeared to be a leg injury and was later helped out of the arena by medics.
In the final heat, 2009 US 100m champion Mike Rodgers dominated to take the third semi-final in 6.56. Former European Indoor record holder Ronald Pognon of France snatched the second spot in 6.64 with Olympic 100m finalist Churandy Martina of the Netherland Antilles in third (6.65) - the same time as Rodney Green, who set a new Bahamian record.
Rodgers kept his composure after Brian Mariano had early been disqualified for false starting and made a solid start alongside Green of the Bahamas. By halfway, though, Rodgers, complete with red headband, accelerated clear of the field to cross the line with daylight to spare.
Martina, Green and Kabia all recorded 6.65, but the latter was awarded the final fastest loser sport and advanced to the final.
Steve Landells for the IAAF
