Rio 2016: Routine progression for Bolt, Gatlin in 200m

Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin predictably sauntered into the semi-finals of the men's 200 metres at Rio 2016 on Tuesday.

Sprint great Bolt retained his 100m crown on Sunday and is seeking to complete a 'triple-triple' by also claiming gold medals in the 200m and 4x100m relay for the third successive Games.

The Jamaican could hardly have looked more relaxed in his opening 200m race, essentially jogging round to win heat nine in a time of 20.28 seconds.

Gatlin - second to Bolt in the 100m final - was also able to conserve plenty of energy as he clocked 20.42secs to come first in the fifth heat.

The fastest qualifier was 100m bronze medallist Andre De Grasse of Canada, who ran 20.09 in the 10th and final heat.

Yohan Blake (20.13) and LaShawn Merritt (20.15) were among others to qualify with ease.

The semi-finals take place on Wednesday, with the final rounding off Thursday's programme at the Olympic Stadium.