Shaun Maswanganyi gunning for Akani Simbines record in Chengdu

Simbine, on his way to winning the 2015 title in Gwangju, South Korea broke the 100m record. 

After breezing past the heats, Maswanganyi whose personal best this season is South Africa’s second fastest record of 9.91 seconds, told SABC Sport that a new record is doable later today.

"That's the plan, we always wanna smash records. The goal is obviously to execute above anything else. You know the record will come after executing. So, I'm feeling good," Maswangwanyi said.

Maswanganyi was dominant in his heat, as he blew away his field in heat 3 to win in 10.45s, 12 seconds faster than the rest. After having a perfect start, he slowed down towards the finishing line and explains the strategy behind this.

"The goal today was just to come out and handle business. I knew it's my first races in a couple of months. 

Didn't wanna press too hard. After about 13 meters I just wanna shut it down and cruise because I knew the guys. I wasn't feeling any pressure, it's all about execution."

Maswanganyi will now compete in the final at 21:25 (15:25) at the Shuangliu Athletic  Stadium after finishing second in his semifinal heat.