MOSCOW (AP) ― Usain Bolt’s pre-race antics were rather subdued. Very little emotion, not much enthusiasm ― at least not by his usually fun-loving standards.

His race was pretty ho-hum, too, just a quick burst out of the starting blocks before backing off and coasting across the finish line.

Sure, the Jamaican easily won his opening heat of the 100 meters Saturday at the world championships. But the only thing dashing about Bolt on this humid night was his tiger-striped uniform.

The crowd really wasn’t into the action, either, with a half-full audience giving Bolt & Co. a tepid applause at best. Olympic champion Mo Farah had them excited, though, with an applause-worthy performance as he pulled away from the field late to win the 10,000.

Of course, there was some drama in Bolt’s race, too, with the gun quickly sounding again soon after the runners flew off the line. A hush fell over the stadium as someone was about to be disqualified for jumping the gun.

This time, it wasn’t Bolt. This time, it was a lane over from him. Still, the situation was eerily reminiscent of when Bolt was DQed in the 2011 final at worlds.

“I wasn’t really worried,” said Bolt, who was seventh overall. “It was a good run. Just all about getting through to the next round. Took it easy and got it done.”

So did Mike Rodgers, who turned in the top 100 time at 9.98 seconds ― nearly a full tenth of a second faster than Bolt, which is a landslide in track. Justin Gatlin, the sprinter who’s supposed to give Bolt the biggest challenge in the final on Sunday, won his heat, too, in 9.99.