It appears the men's 4x100m relay will be a show down between the UNITED STATES and GREAT BRITAIN. Both countries advanced to the semi-finals later this evening without upsetting the judges, and providing they can repeat their performances, should be battling side by side on Sunday evening.
The USA won the first heat by clocking 38.28, with 200m silver medallist Darvis PATTON running a blistering third leg. Weakened by the absence of Maurice GREENE and Jon DRUMMOND, the inclusion of Tim MONTGOMERY could add some fresh legs to their pool.
Britain ran a superb race with clean baton changeovers to win the fourth heat in 38.24, making them the fastest qualifiers going into the semi-finals. Given the USA's depleted line-up, and bronze medallist Darren CAMPBELL yet to make an appearance, Great Britain now appear to look stronger - and faster -on paper than the USA. Could we see a changing of the guard here at the Stade de France?
Both BRAZIL and POLAND ran strong heats, clocking 38.53 and 38.52 respectively. Poland's Lukasz CHYLA and Marcin NOWAK impressed with their middle section to win their heat. FRANCE were fired up and eager to impress in front of their home crowd. They delivered, recorded 38.61, qualified, and finished second to the defending world champions, the USA.
The NETHERLANDS ran a national record to qualify for the semi-finals as seventh fastest, whilst TRINIDAD and TOBAGO looked sluggish, sneaking into the the next round with a time of 38.89, and will look forward to the possible inclusion of silver medallist in the 100m and World Junior record holder, Darrel BROWN.
The USA won the first heat by clocking 38.28, with 200m silver medallist Darvis PATTON running a blistering third leg. Weakened by the absence of Maurice GREENE and Jon DRUMMOND, the inclusion of Tim MONTGOMERY could add some fresh legs to their pool.
Britain ran a superb race with clean baton changeovers to win the fourth heat in 38.24, making them the fastest qualifiers going into the semi-finals. Given the USA's depleted line-up, and bronze medallist Darren CAMPBELL yet to make an appearance, Great Britain now appear to look stronger - and faster -on paper than the USA. Could we see a changing of the guard here at the Stade de France?
Both BRAZIL and POLAND ran strong heats, clocking 38.53 and 38.52 respectively. Poland's Lukasz CHYLA and Marcin NOWAK impressed with their middle section to win their heat. FRANCE were fired up and eager to impress in front of their home crowd. They delivered, recorded 38.61, qualified, and finished second to the defending world champions, the USA.
The NETHERLANDS ran a national record to qualify for the semi-finals as seventh fastest, whilst TRINIDAD and TOBAGO looked sluggish, sneaking into the the next round with a time of 38.89, and will look forward to the possible inclusion of silver medallist in the 100m and World Junior record holder, Darrel BROWN.
