Athletics-U.S reassert authority in men's 4x400m relay

The United States comfortably won the men's 4x400 metres relay gold at the world championships on Sunday, reasserting their authority in the event after their dominance was interrupted two years ago. Rai Benjamin, silver medallist in the 400m hurdles, completed the win as he held off Jamaica's Demish Gaye around the final leg as the U.S won in 2:56.69.

Jamaica were second and Belgium, with brothers Dylan and Kevin Borlee running the closing legs, took bronze. The U.S. had won six successive world titles until Trinidad & Tobago claimed the gold in London two years ago.

Michael Cherry put the U.S in control when he broke away from Nathan Allan on the second leg. Terry Thomas ran a brilliant third leg for Jamaica and managed to close the gap but Benjamin charged on the last leg to secure the U.S. win. Britain failed to finish after fumbling the baton at the second exchange.

There was a mix-up between Toby Harries and Rabah Yousif and Harries crashed onto the track, still clutching the baton. "I just lost the lift and I didn't place it directly in his hand. It's my fault and I went down," he said.