Athletics-Richardson and Jackson on course for 200m showdown

Athletics - World Athletics Championship - Women's 200m - National Athletics Centre, Budapest, Hungary - August 23, 2023 Sha'carri Richardson of the U.S. and Cote D'Ivoire's Marie-Josee Ta Lou in action during heat 2 REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

BUDAPEST (Reuters) -American Sha'Carri Richardson and Jamaica's Shericka Jackson, first and second in the 100 metres final on Monday, safely negotiated the next step in their World Championship rivalry as they cruised through their 200m first-round heats on Wednesday.

On another roasting morning Richardson, seeking to become the first U.S, winner since Allyson Felix in 2009, looked sharp before easing up to win her heat in 22.16, the fastest time of the six races.