Chinese sprinter Xie sets personal best for men's 100m semifinals at Rio Olympics

China's Xie Zhenye set a personal best time of 10.08 seconds in the heats of the men's 100m at the Rio Olympic Games on Saturday, becoming the second Chinese male sprinter after Su Bingtian to reach the semifinals of the blue-ribbon event in Olympic history.

"It's unbelievable that I finished first in my heat and set my personal best time," an elated Xie said after the competition.

"Hopefully I can improve on today's performance and make the final tomorrow," he added.

Su, the first Chinese to qualify for the 100m final at the World Championships, clocked 10.17 seconds to go through to the semifinals as well. Four years ago, Su made history when he advanced to the 100m semis in London 2012.

Zhang Peimeng, also from China, missed out on a spot in the semis after finishing only seventh in 10.36 seconds in his heat.

Justin Gatlin, the 34-year-old 2004 Olympic champion, clocked 10.01 seconds to easily win his heat at the Olympic Stadium.

Usain Bolt, who is aiming to win the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay for the third straight Olympics, also romped into the semifinals by winning his heat in 10.07.

The semifinals and final of the men's 100m are scheduled for Sunday evening. Endit