DANNY Talbot booked his place in the semi-finals of the men's 200m at the World Championships in Beijing by finishing third in his heat this afternoon.

The Trowbridge Tornado's chances were handed a boost after American former world silver medallist Wallace Spearmon pulled out of heat six, leaving the 23-year-old to race to third-place in 20.35 seconds – 0.05 seconds slower than his personal best.

Talbot came in behind Jamaican Warren Weir (20.24), who took bronze at the London 2012 Olympics, and Greece’s Lykourgos-Stefanos Tsakonas (20.14).

And the Great Britain sprinter said that he savoured the experience of competing at the famous ‘Bird’s Nest’ Beijing National Stadium.

“I’m really happy. This is my first senior worlds. I’ve learned over the years that you have to take each race as it comes,” said Talbot.

“I think there were some fast times earlier – I didn’t really watch the other heats – so I just wanted to focus on myself, try and get through and that’s what I did.

“It’s absolutely amazing. This is why we do it. I train all year and I don’t train just to train – If I was going to do that, I wouldn’t do athletics, so this is what it’s all about.

“I absolutely loved it and I just can’t wait for tomorrow now.”

The likes of superstar Usain Bolt, controversial former world champion Justin Gatlin and Talbot's Great Britain team-mate Zharnel Hughes also booked their place in the semi-finals.

The semis are due to get under way at 1.30pm (UK time) on Wednesday.