Jamaica add relays to sprint wins

MELBOURNE, Mar 25 (Reuters) Jamaica won the gold medals in the men's and women's 4x100 metres relays at the Commonwealth Games today to complete a clean sweep of sprint titles.

Jamaica were fourth at the last change in the men's race before world record holder Asafa Powell ran down the leaders to finish in a time of 38.36 seconds, 0.16 outside England's Games record set eight years ago.

South Africa took the silver medal in 38.98 and Canada the bronze in 39.21. Hosts Australia were well placed at the final turn but fumbled the last baton change and did not finish.

Sheri-Ann Brooks, winner of the women's 100m, ran a strong second leg to put Jamaica in control of the women's 4x100m relay before 200m champion Sherone Simpson stormed home for a time of 43.10s.

England, whose Olympic champion men were favourites but lost in the heats after a baton bungle, took the silver in 43.43.

Hosts Australia took advantage of baton fumbles by Ghana and Cameroon to grab bronze in 44.25.

REUTERS PM RK1420