Cape Town - South Africa's Caster Semenya, the overwhelming favourite for gold in the 800m, eased into the final by winning her semi-final in Rio on Thursday (Friday morning SA time).
Semenya, running in the third and final heat, posted 1:58.15.
Semenya's time wound up to be the fastest time heading into the final.
The final will take place at 02:15 (SA time) on Sunday.