The American sprinter was confident after winning his heat, predicting Seville’s slow start recovery and hyping a thrilling 100m semifinal showdown.

Noah Lyles delivered both speed and swagger as the men’s 100m heats got underway at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

The American sprint star, who returned to competition in July after a tendon injury, looked sharp as he cruised through his opening race with a comfortable 9.95 to book his place in the semifinals.

But the story of the first round was not just Lyles’ performance — it was also Oblique Seville’s dramatic recovery after a sluggish start.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Jamaica’s Seville was nearly left behind in the first heat, reacting slowly to the gun and leaving himself a mountain to climb.

South Africa’s Gift Leotlela blasted out of the blocks with one of the sharpest reaction times of the day (0.135s), flying to a 9.87 that electrified the crowd.

Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi followed close behind with a personal best 9.88, while Seville dug deep to claim the third and final automatic qualifying spot with 9.93.

When asked about Seville’s slow start, Lyles offered a candid response.

“Yeah, I knew that was gonna happen. That man was panicking in the back. But hey, he’s a gamer, so hopefully he’ll get it back and we’ll have a great final,” said Noah Lyles.

Speaking about his own form after the race, the reigning world champion sounded brimming with confidence.

“This is the best form I have ever been in my life,” he said. “I am bringing special things here. Running 9.95 in the first round is exactly what I wanted to warm up my body.”

The first heat set the tone for what promises to be an explosive men’s 100m event.

Leotlela’s blistering 9.87 not only made him the fastest qualifier but also sent a message to the rest of the field that he is ready to challenge for a medal.

The Warm Up pic.twitter.com/Cki36bIaRB

Ajayi’s 9.88 was equally impressive, marking a career-best time and staking his claim as a serious contender.

Romell Glave of Great Britain clocked 10.00 to narrowly miss the automatic spots but kept himself in the mix as a likely time qualifier.

The semifinal heats promise fireworks, with all the big names advancing. Lyles will face Ackeem Blake, Marcell Jacobs, and Akani Simbine in Heat 1 — a loaded field that could produce sub-9.90 clockings.

This man Noah Lyles 🤣🤣🤣#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/vQb0KuRRKn

Heat 2 features Ferdinand Omanyala, Zharnel Hughes, and Kenny Bednarek, while Heat 3 pits Seville against Letsile Tebogo, Andre de Grasse, and Gift Leotlela in what could be the most competitive race of the round.

If the opening round was just the warm-up, the next races are set to be a showdown for the ages.