Russia takes first Berlin gold

Valery Borchin has brought Russia their first gold at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin by winning the men's 20 kilometer walk.

The 2008 Beijing gold medalist outpaced his rivals with a winning time of 1hr 18min 41 sec.

The 23-year-old seized the initiative at the halfway point to finish with a 25 second cushion.

Last year Borchin became the youngest-ever Olympic champion in the 20 kilometer walk.

Fellow Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt cruised into the semi-final stage in the men's 100 meters, adding fuel to the upcoming showdown with Tyson Gay.

The American himself looked in top form as he defends his world title, beating Bolt’s time by five tenths of a second with a time of 9.98.

Former 100 meters world record holder, Asafa Powell, was the best in the quarterfinals, covering the distance in just 9.95 seconds.

The men's final is coming up on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Sanya Richards and Christine Ohuruogu went head to head in the women's 400 meters. Richards won that battle, and will see her British rival again in the semis on Sunday.