Lyles, Knighton book 200 metres showdown at worlds

EUGENE, Ore. : A highly anticipated showdown between reigning winner Noah Lyles and 18-year-old sensation Erriyon Knighton is set for the World Championships, after the two Americans produced blazing-fast times to win their semi-finals.

Lyles was simply flawless, holding off compatriot Kenny Bednarek down the final stretch in the fastest time of the day at 19.62 seconds to reach Thursday's final at the speedy Hayward Field track.

"I am exactly where I wanted to be because I got the win," said Lyles. "My coach told me to get out a little bit of the beast today. So I am going to let out the whole thing."

Knighton made easy work of his heat, finishing a few metres clear of the rest of the field after an explosive start, leading to a time of 19.77 seconds.

The two top contenders arrived in Eugene, Oregon, with unfinished business, after the jocular Lyles denied the stoic Knighton, who has produced the fastest time this year, a spot on the podium as the bronze medal-winner in Tokyo.

There was no love lost between the pair as Lyles ran down his young compatriot to win the national championships last month also at Hayward.

Still catching his breath from leading an American clean sweep of the 100 metres final on Saturday, Fred Kerley's hope of a sprint double ended as he finished sixth in his heat.

The 100m Olympic silver medallist was off the pace coming off the turn and slowed down the final stretch, grimacing in pain through the finish line.

"I had a cramp but that is a part of the game," he told reporters. "Still have got the rest of the season. No impact, I am good."

There was still hope of another sprint sweep for the home crowd at Eugene, Oregon, however, as Olympic silver medallist Bednarek advanced on an automatic qualification.