Olympics: US takes on the Caribbean in women's 200m final

London, Aug 8 (IANS/CMC) Two-time defending champion Veronica Campbell-Brown leads three Caribbean women against three Americans in Wednesday's 200m final here at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Campbell-Brown, who won in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, looked in far better shape than the day before when she appeared out of touch in the heats, reports CMC.

This time around, she came off the curve chasing American Carmelita Jeter but flew past her in the last 30 metres to take victory in a season best 22.32.

Jeter was second in 22.39 while Frenchwoman Myriam Soumare got third and the second fastest loser's spot in 22.56.

"I think I executed a decent race. I'll remain confident and try to put it together [in the final]," Campbell-Brown said.

"It will be an extremely good event. My intention is to stay focused and to run my heart out."

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the repeat 100m champion following her win Saturday night booked her spot in the super final along with Semoy Hackett of Trinidad and Tobago.

Hackett booked hers by running 22.55 seconds to equal her personal best in the second semi-final won by American Allyson Felix (22.31), with Murielle Ahoure of Ivory Coast (22.49) second.

"I am very proud of myself to be in the final of the Olympics 200m," said an elated Hackett, who added her parents, friends, and coach would also feel the same way.

"I think my preparation coming into this meet was very good and I was mentally prepared to make it to the final. The field was a very strong one and to finish in the top three, I knew it would have gotten me into the final."

Jamaica's Sherone Simpson, however, failed to qualify from the heat, finishing sixth in 22.71 seconds.

Fraser-Pryce, meanwhile, was nipped at the line but did enough to make the finals. She clocked 22.34 seconds for second behind 400m champion Sanya Richards-Ross (22.30).

Trinidadian Kai Selvon (23.04) and Grenada's Janelle Redhead (23.51) failed to make the finals.

--IANS/CMC

sr/vm