Gay runs blistering 200 metres at World Final

STUTTGART, Germany, Sep 10 (Reuters) 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 today.

The American, disappointed to lose out again to Asafa Powell in the 100 yesterday, 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 faster over the distance, with Gay's time equalling that of Frankie Fredericks in Johnson's record-breaking race at the Atlanta Olympics.

''My God, that was kind of scary,'' Gay said after bringing the 28,000 Stuttgart crowd to its feet. ''This is incredible. I'm so happy.'' Gay finished 0.2 seconds ahead of his countryman Wallace Spearmon, running a personal best.

The best hope of a world record today had looked to be from Yelena Isinbayeva in the pole vault but the Russian did not get close to claiming the 100,000 dollars bonus on offer, although she won her event comfortably enough.

The world and Olympic champion, who holds the record at 5.01m, came in with a clean jump at 4.60 and waited to see what the opposition could do.

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 the event.

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

''The conditions were right but unfortunately I was too tired,'' Isinbayeva said. ''I have three more competitions this year and I'm not injured, so don't worry. I still have the world record in mind.'' Reuters PDS DB2028