Two days after setting a world record of 9.58 seconds to win the 100 and looking for his second gold medal of the world championships, Usain Bolt easily advanced to the second round of the 200 meters Tuesday.
Bolt won his heat, even though his 20.70 was 1.40 off his world record.
In the absence of injured American and defending champion Tyson Gay, Bolt is the overwhelming favorite for gold. British sprinter Dwain Chambers also pulled out of the event due to an injury after finishing sixth in the 100 final.
Shawn Crawford, the 2004 Olympic champion, had the top qualifying time of 20.60 during a session slowed by chilly temperatures under an overcast sky at the Olympic Stadium. Steve Mullings of Jamaica was second in 20.62.
The final for the 200 is set for Thursday. Bolt is also favored to lead Jamaica to a sprint relay gold on Saturday to equal his feat of three golds at the Beijing Olympics.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.