Defending champions the United States booked their berth in the final of the 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Championships after winning their heat here on Saturday.
Just minutes after seeing the US women's 4x100m relay team crash out, the quartet of Lionel Larry, Kerron Clement, Bershawn Jackson and Angelo Taylor made no mistake as the baton was passed around sucessfully in 3min 01.40sec.
The French foursome of Leslie Djhone, Teddy Venel, Yannick Fonsat and Yoann Decimus finish second with the British team in the third and final automatic qualifying spot, Martyn Rooney having done well to track down Australia's Sean Wroe on the last leg.
Kevin Borlee was also the hero for Belgium, running a cracking last lap to ensure an unlikely heat win in 3:02.13.
The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic also qualified, with Australia and Nigeria through to the final as fastest losers. Jamaica lost out, finishing seventh in the second heat.
The relay final is scheduled for 1615 GMT on Sunday.
Copyright 2009 AFP American Edition
