Holders crash out of relay
ByReuters
Published 12/03/2006 at 10:51 GMT
Defending men's champions Jamaica crashed out of the 400 metres relay heats at the world indoor championships on Sunday. Lanceford Spence collided with a French athlete as he took the baton on the final changeover and clattered to the floor.
ATHLETICS 2006 World Indoor Champs. - Moscow 4x400m relay (M) - Wallace Spearmon - Tyree Washington
Image credit: Reuters
France, who finished second behind Russia, were subsequently disqualified and third-placed Spain given a spot in the final, which takes place later on Sunday.
The Americans stayed clear of any trouble in their heat, world outdoor 200 metres silver medallist Wallace Spearmon anchoring them home in 3:03.66.
Russia's women, who set the world record of 3:23.37 in Glasgow in January, were untouchable in the their heat.
Led off by Yuliya Guschina, who was part of that record-breaking quartet, they were never troubled and by the time Natalya Antyukh crossed the line they were some 30 metres ahead of second-placed Jamaica.
Russia have won six of the eight previous times the event has taken place at the championships and have held the title since 1995.
World decathlon champion Bryan Clay survived a false start in the 60 metres hurdles to increase his lead in the heptathlon.
The American, who had 38 points more than rival and defending champion Roman Sebrle after Saturday's four events, won the hurdles in 7.83 seconds to go 101 points in front of the Czech.
Estonia's Kristjan Rahnu was third a further 75 points behind, with two disciplines remaining -- the pole vault and 1,000 metres.
Fourteen gold medals are up for grabs on the final day of competition.
World Indoors day 1: Barber edges Williams
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement