ATHLETICS: They came tearing down the track like American fighter planes, producing an unprecedented sweep of positions and only the second ever men's sprint double at the World Championships.

Leading the way was Justin Gatlin, whose 20.04-second run landed him the 200-metre title to go with his 100-metre garland. Behind Gatlin came three more Americans - Wallace Spearman, John Capel, and Tyson Gay.

Coming off the bend Gatlin had a foot to spare on his team-mates. His 20.04 clocking was possibly one of the fastest ever. Spearman finished second at 20.20, with Capel edging out Gay for the bronze - 20.31 to 20.34.

Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain was back on the track less than 24 hours after his glory in the 1,500 metres and easily won his 800-metre heat in 1:46.17.

As expected, the 10,000-metre winner Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia didn't show for the 5,000 metres heats, but younger brother Tariku Bekele took second to the Kenyan Isaac Songok in heat two.

In the women's 100 metres hurdles Olympic champion Joanna Hayes of America finished last as fellow American Michelle Perry won in 12.66 seconds.