Jason Smyth cruises into 200m final after season’s best

Irishman qualifies in his ease for Tuesday’s World Para Athletics Championships final

Jason Smyth of Ireland competing in the Men’s 200m at the Olympic Stadium in London. Photograph: Sportsfile
Jason Smyth of Ireland competing in the Men’s 200m at the Olympic Stadium in London. Photograph: Sportsfile

Jason Smyth moved a step closer to adding to his 100m gold at the World Para Athletics Championships, by cruising into Tuesday's 200m final in London on Monday night.

The five time Paralympic champion set a new season’s best of 21.89 to win his heat, and edge closer to what would be a seventh World Championship gold medal.

The Derry native was by far the fastest of Monday night’s two heats, with Johannes Nambala of Namibia winning the second heat in 21.97, while second in Smyth’s heat was Poland’s Mateusz Michalski in 22.19.

The 30 year old Irishman has held the 200m world record (21.05) since 2013. Tuesday’s final is in London’s Olympic stadium at 7.55pm.

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On Sunday Smyth won the 100m gold, as Michael McKillop made it a double celebration by winning the 800m title.