HELSINKI, Aug 12: Justin Gatlin’s explosive performance in adding the 200 metres world title to his 100m one led a dominant night for the United States at the world athletics championships on Thursday. The 23-year-old 100m champion led a one-to-four finish for the Americans in the 200m; Tyson Gay the unfortunate one of them to miss out on a medal.

Gatlin was joined on the trop tier of the podium by compatriots Michelle Perry in the 100m hurdles and Walter Davis, who went from failing to qualify for the 2003 triple jump final to champion this time round. The Americans also saw all four of their men’s 110m hurdles semifinalists reach Friday’s final with evergreen four-time champion Allen Johnson just one race away from becoming the first ever track athlete to win five titles in the one event.

However, for one American the day ended in tears of despair as Olympic 100m hurdles champion Joanna Hayes saw her hopes of claiming the world title crushed when she clattered into the penultimate barrier and finished last. It wasn’t all America’s night as 37-year-old German discus thrower Franka Dietzsch reclaimed the title she won in 1999 and The Netherlands Rens Blom stunned more highly-rated rivals by winning the pole vault.

For Gatlin, though, it was further confirmation that right now there is nobody to touch him as he assumes the mantle of compatriot Maurice Greene in being the dominant force in sprinting. Indeed he is just one title away from emulating Greene in winning three world titles at the same championships.

He is in the 4x100m relay and aside from dropping the baton - which previous US teams have done - they look unbeatable.

“Double gold means I’m king of the sprints. It shows I’m the best sprinter around,” said Gatlin.

His compatriot, silver medallist Wallace Spearmon, the fastest man in the world this year, summed the race up in a nutshell.

“It’s the first time I’ve raced for second place,” said the 20-year-old who edge John Capel into the bronze.

Hayes’ woe was Perry’s delight as the 26-year-old’s decision to foresake the heptathlon - she was fed up at not being able to beat Swedish superstar Carolina Kluft and Frenchwoman Eunice Barber - paid off handsomely.

Hayes emerged sad but gracious.

Davis jumped a season’s best of 17.57 metres to take the title and the 27-year-old, who will attempt to double up in the long jump, admitted he had felt all along this would be his year especially as the master of the event Christian Olsson was absent through injury.

For the most part, though, there was just one performance that stood out and that was Gatlin’s and he shows no signs of stopping and resting on his laurels.—Agencies

WORLD RECORD