Farnworth track star Jason Kenny remained on course for a first World sprint title in Holland.
But Kenny needs to produce the form of his life to get his hands on a coveted rainbow jersey.
The 23-year-old British star came through the early stages of qualification with a couple of impressive rides.
However, his main rivals for gold are also still in contention, including defending champion, Gregory Bauge and Olympic gold medallist, Sir Chris Hoy.
Kenny, back in action after Wednesday night's team sprint bronze, was one of 50 riders contesting the individual sprint.
And after 75 minutes of high speed action at the Apeldoorn Omnisport, Kenny recorded the third quickest time for the 200 metres time trial.
Only Frenchman Mickael Bourgain (10.043 secs) and Hoy (10.111) went faster than the Lancastrian's 10.120 secs.
That earned Kenny a last 16 match up with Russian Andrey Kubeev.
And he left nothing to chance, holding a two bike lead at the start of the bell and keeping Kubeev at his back wheel, round the final 200 metres circuit.
Hoy and Mancunian Matt Crampton also qualified for the next phase of the two-day competition.
Four time Olympic champion Hoy defeated South African Bernard Esterhuizen while Crampton edged out Poland's Daniel Zielinski.
And at least one Briton was guaranteed to progress with Kenny drawn against Crampton and Hoy taking on Australian Matthew Glaetzer.
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