World Athletics Championships 2023: Sha'Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson make final in women's 200m at track worlds

World 100m champion Sha'Carri Richardson is safely through to the final of the women's 200m too at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The American will however have to contend with defending champion Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, who won their semi-final heat on Thursday (24 August) in what looked like a brisk jog in 22.00 seconds flat. Richardson, who started slower, overtook Marie-Josee Ta Lou towards the end of the race to seal her automatic spot in Friday's final.

Ta Lou will however also be in the final after qualifying on time.

Earlier, Gabby Thomas of the USA and Great Britain's Dina Asher-Smith both qualified easily from the first semi-final. Asher-Smith had the better start, leading through the first 100m, before the American overtook her on the straight as they finished one-two to book their final spots. Thomas's 21.97 was the fastest time of the three heats.

"I was controlling the whole race and I knew I was going to do a smooth finish and win my heat," Thomas said afterwards. "That was what my coach told me to do. I feel confident and strong going to the finals tomorrow but there are some things I can improve."

St Lucia's Julien Alfred is also through to the final. Despite starting slowly in her semi-final, she pulled ahead with around 50m to go to cross the line first. Behind her, Daryll Neita of Great Britain recorded a new personal best 22.21 to secure her spot.

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• World Athletics Championships 2023: Women's 200m preview schedule and how to watch