Athletic-Lyles, Richardson ease through opening 100m heats at US championships

NEW YORK, July 23 : Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson cruised into the men's and women's 100 metres semi-finals at the U.S. championships on Thursday, as the competition featured some heavy hitters at Icahn Stadium even in a quieter athletics season.The Olympic champion Lyles had no issues winning his heat in 9.97 seconds, finishing second overall for the day behind Christian Coleman (9.96), as he eyes the sprint double in New York. He will compete in Friday's semi-final."Felt like a good warm-up. I could use about three more of those," said Lyles, who was hungry for more competition after a surprise second place to compatriot Trayvon Bromell at last month's Paris Diamond League."I came back from Europe right as July started. I'm not going to be able to get another meet in once this is o