Sprint king Usain Bolt and American rival Justin Gatlin swept into the 200 metres final with consummate ease on Wednesday as they prepare to resume hostilities at the world championships.

– GALLERY: Beijing World Championships so far
– Beijing: Bolt trumps Gatlin to retain world 100m title

Gatlin, a two-time doping offender looking to avenge his defeat by Bolt in the weekend's 100m, clocked the fastest time of the semi-finals in 19.87 seconds in Beijing, with Bolt second fastest in 19.95 going into Thursday's dust-up.

Smiling as he decelerated well before the line, defending champion Bolt, also the Olympic gold medallist and world record holder, indulged in similar kidology in the 100m before smashing Gatlin's hopes in the final.

"Everybody knows that it is what it is going to be," Bolt said of his showdown with Gatlin. "I'm looking forward to it, this is my favourite event, it means a lot more to me so I'm ready to go."

Gatlin agreed that he was looking forward to again racing Bolt.

"Always. He's a true competitor. There are two competitors that like to compete. You've got to have that rivalry," said the American.