Kelli White of the United States stayed on course for a golden double in the sprints at the World Athletics Championships in Paris when she won the second quarterfinal of the women's 200m event on Tuesday.

White ran a faster race in the quarterfinal than she had in the heats, finishing in 22.67s as against 22.97s earlier in the day.

But compatriot and 100m silver medallist Torri Edwards served notice of her intention to try and upset White when she won her quarterfinal quite easily in 22.66s.

White and Edwards will also face a formidable rival in defending champion Zhanna Block of the Ukraine. Block matched White's timing in winning the fourth and final quarterfinal.

Frenchwoman Muriel Hurtis won the third quarterfinal in 22.70s, and looks certain to make the final along with the two Americans and the Ukrainian.

Veteran athlete and sentimental favourite Merlene Ottey, 43, competing for Slovenia rather than her native Jamaica, was eliminated in Edwards's heat, finishing fifth with a timing of 23.22, well below her personal best of 21.64 achieved way back in September 1991.

The semifinals will take place on Wednesday. The line-up, in order of qualifying times, is:

Earlier report: White going for sprint double

Photograph: Getty Images