The Johor-born cyclist secured his semi-final spot after finishing third in his quarter-final heat at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines National Velodrome, in a time of +0.051s.

The heat was won by Jack Carlin of Great Britain, with Matthew Glaetzer of Australia (+0.006s) finishing second.

Shah Firdaus, 28, had bounced back after having been relegated to compete in the repechage in his first round heat for riding on the blue band and receiving a warning for moving down towards the inside of the track and forcing another competitor off the track.

His progress in the keirin event brought joy to disappointed Malaysians after the shock disqualification of national track cycling champion Azizulhasni Awang last night for overtaking the derny – a motorised pacer – before it pulled off the track.

Azizulhasni, dubbed “Pocket Rocketman”, had been a favourite to pick up a medal, possibly gold, to add to his silver and bronze won in previous Games.