Berlin: Olympic champions and world record holders Jamaica moved into the 4x100 metres relay final at the world championships on Friday without Usain Bolt, who was resting after breaking the 200 world record on Thursday.
Jamaica, also without former world record holder Asafa Powell, were anchored by Dwight Thomas and came home second behind surprise package Italy, who clocked 38.52 seconds.
The United States, who rested Tyson Gay after his groin injury flared up following his defeat in the 100 by Bolt forcing him to skip the 200, clocked 37.97 to go through alongside Britain who came second in their heat.
The Americans failed to make the final at the Beijing Olympics after dropping the baton in the semi-finals.
Japan and Trinidad and Tobago also qualified for Saturday’s final from their heat while France and Canada advanced as fastest third-place finishers.
There was disappointment for hosts Germany when Marius Broening failed to hand over to Alexander Kosenkow, who seemed to take off too early as his team mate came into the bend, leaving them wondering what went wrong as the other sprinters raced on.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 15:52
