London Olympics 2012: Chambers, Bolt and Blake Qualify for Men's 100m Semi-Final

British sprinter Dwain Chambers has progressed to the semi-final of the men's 100m with victory in the final heat of the day, at the Olympic Stadium. The event's defending champion, Usain Bolt of Jamaica, will join Chambers in the semi-finals, as will fellow Jamaicans Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell. Great Britain's Adam Gemili and James Dasaolu have also qualified.

However, the main talking point of the race was the failure of Kim Collins to compete. The former 100m world champion was withdrawn by his country, Saint Kitts & Nevis, after he left the Olympic village to spend time with his wife. This would have been the 36-year-old's fifth Olympic Games. He carried his country's flag during the opening ceremony of the London Games. Owing to his disagreement with the authorities, Collins has now revealed he will never represent his country again.

Meanwhile, back in the lanes, Chambers was quickly out of the blocks and established a good early lead. He eventually crossed the line in 10.02s, his fastest time this season. France's Jimmy Vicaut finished in second, while Keston Bledman of Trinidad and Tobago took the final qualifying slot.

Defending champion Usain Bolt also advanced to the semi-final, with a straightforward win in the fourth heat. The Jamaican got off to a comparatively slow start but shifted through his gears with ease to win the race. So dominant was his performance at the finish line that he actually eased up, allowing Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Barbuda to finish second. Dasaolu took third with his best run of the season.

The event's other favourite, Blake took some time to find his rhythm but after the first 30m of his heat (heat six), the 22-year-old turned on the gas. He was clearly a lot faster than his final time of 10s, which does not bode well for Bolt. Ryota Yamagata of Japan and China's Bingtian Su finished second and third respectively.

Powell also qualified, clocking a time of 10.04s. Gemili finished behind him with a time of 10.11s. Churandy Maertina of the Netherlands came third and took the last qualifying spot of the heat.

Team America's Ryan Bailey was the fastest qualifier, winning heat three with a time of 9.88s. His compatriots Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin also qualified for the semi-final, by winning heat one and heat two in 10.08s and 9.97s, respectively.

The men's 100m semi final is scheduled for Sunday 5 August, at 7.45pm.