He was up against the defending Olympic Champion Shawn Crawford in the second heat and Usan Bolt who had won gold in the 100m with a time of 9.69.
In perfect conditions at the Birds Nest, the Coventry Godiva runner and proud Coventrian finished fourth (20.43) behind the winner Usan Bolt with Crawford second.
Marlon qualified for tomorrow's semi-final as one of the fastest losers along with fellow Brit Christian Malcolm.