Akani Simbine, fellow South African sprinters power into 100m semifinals in Paris

Simbine, running in heat 6, won his race in a time of 10.03, quickly going to the front of the pack and eased up ahead of the finish line as he negotiated the first round.

The South African speed merchant will be joined in the semifinals by compatriot Shaun Maswanganyi, who finished third in heat 3 in a time of 10.06 - behind Louie Hinchcliffe and Noah Lyles.

Richards came fourth in heat 5 and qualified for the semifinals as one of the fastest sprinters outside the top three, also finishing in a time of 10.06.

Simbine, who is already a two-time Olympic finalist, is hoping to secure a podium finish in the French capital after being South Africa's flag bearer at the opening ceremony.

The semifinals of the men's 100m race is scheduled to take place on Sunday 8pm (SA time) with the final following at 9.50pm.