LONDON – Usain Bolt began his bid to win the sprint double at London 2012 by cruising into the semi-finals of the Olympic 200m.The 25-year-old Jamaican, who defended his 100m crown on Sunday, eased off down the home straight as he won his heat in a time of 20.39 seconds.He was joined by France’s Christophe Lemaitre, who clocked 20.34 in the second heat, and did not run the 100m. The semi-finals are on Wednesday and the final takes place on Thursday.Four-time Olympic champion Bolt is also attempting to retain his 200m title from Beijing.After what was approaching a jog, Bolt told BBC Sport: “The crowd is always wonderful, they play an important role in my running and I love my 200m.“I try to do my part, I know what comes with winning so all I have to do is try and enjoy it”.His qualifying time was bettered by one hundredth of a second later on by Jamaican compatriot Yohan Blake, though both athletes slowed down significantly to cruise through the final 20 metres.Agencies
