Su, 31, shattered his previous best of 9.91s to storm to an impressive semifinal win over American Ronnie Baker in a photo finish.

Italy’s Lamont Jacobs, who finished third in a European record of 9.84s, and fourth-placed South African Akani Simbine in 9.90s, take the two fastest spots on offer after the two automatic qualifying places from the three semifinals.

The first semifinal saw Briton Reece Prescod disqualified for a blatant false start.

The remaining field of seven were left waiting for several minutes as starting officials resolved a technical issue.

American Fred Kerley eventually won in 9.96s ahead of Canada’s Andre de Grasse.

British hopes were kept alive as Zharnel Hughes won the second semi in 9.98s ahead of Nigerian Enoch Adegoke, who was awarded second place in a photo finish with Bromell after both timed 10 seconds dead.

Bromell had come into the Olympics as the hot pre-race favourite having set the fastest time this year of 9.77s, the seventh-quickest in history.