Allen Johnson of the United States clocked the best time in the semi-finals of the men's 110 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships, at the Stade de France, in Paris, on Friday.

The 22-year-old, who was second at the ninth World Cup in Madrid in 2002, clocked 13.19 seconds in the second semi-final, finishing ahead of Xiang Liu of China, who was second in 13.46 seconds.

Johnson's team mater Terrence Trammell came up with the next best time, clocking 13.34 seconds in the third heat.

The first two in three heats plus the two fastest losers qualified for the final.

The United States have four runners in the final, with Larry Wade (13.55s) qualifying from the first semi-final along with Dongpeng Shi (13.53) of China and Chris Phillips (13.48s), who finished third in the third heat, making it as one of the best losers along with Yoel Hernández (12.49s) of Cuba.

Following is the line-up for the final, with the timings registered in the semis:

Allen Johnson Allen USA 13.19
Terrence Trammell USA 13.34
Xiang Liu CHN 13.46
Márcio Simão de Souza BRA 13.48
Chris Phillips USA 13.48
Yoel Hernández CUB 13.49
Dongpeng Shi CHN 13.53
Larry Wade USA 13.55