BERLIN, Sept 10: Tyson Gay equalled the third fastest time ever run in the 200 metres to clinch victory in 19.68 seconds on the closing day of the World Athletics Final on Sunday.

The American, disappointed to lose out again to Asafa Powell in the 100 on Saturday, came back on day two to win with a searing run on the fast green track at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion.

Only Michael Johnson (19.32) and Xavier Carter (19.63) have run quicker over the distance, with Gay's time equalling that of Namibian Frankie Fredericks in Johnson's record-breaking race at the Atlanta Olympics.

Gay finished 0.2 seconds ahead of his countryman Wallace Spearmon, running a personal best.

Sanya Richards was equally dominant in the women's 400, crossing the line in 49.25 for a championship record.

The American, one of three athletes to scoop $250,000 in Golden League jackpot money last week, finished over a second ahead of the Jamaicans Novlene Williams and Shericka Williams in second and third.

Sherone Simpson of Jamaica was unchallenged in the 100m, rounding off the meeting with victory in 10.89, ahead of a quintet of Americans led by Torri Edwards.

Monika Pyrek of Poland went over at 4.65 but failed in her three attempts at 4.70. With the American Jennifer Stuczynski also failing at the height, Isinbayeva was left needing to clear 4.75 to win.

She managed it at the second attempt but could not get over 4.85.

The only athelte to win two events was another Russian, Tatyana Lebedeva. She leapt 14.82 in the triple jump to add that to the long jump title she won Saturday and take her weekend winnings to $60,000.

Back on the track, Kenenisa Bekele won an excruciatingly slow 5,000m in 13:48.62, ahead of Edwin Cheruiyot Soi of Kenya. — AFP