Bring on Jones, says Debbie Ferguson

Debbie Ferguson of Bahamas says she now has Marion Jones in her sights after she completed the Commonwealth Games sprint double with a runaway victory in Monday's 200 metres final.

The 26-year-old blew her rivals away to win in 22.20 seconds and add the 200 gold medal to the 100 she won on Saturday.

Ferguson's time was the fastest in the world this year and also broke Cathy Freeman's Commonwealth Games record of 22.25 which the Australian set eight years ago in Canada.

Jamaica's Juliet Campbell grabbed the silver in 22.54 with Australia's Lauren Hewitt finishing third in 22.69 but neither was able to mount any challenge to Ferguson.

Ferguson finished second to the United States's Jones at last year's world championships, but says she fancies her chances of beating her next the time speedsters line up on the blocks.

"To run the fastest time of the year and win was awesome. I've done something at the Commonwealth Games that I never thought I'd do in my life," Ferguson said.

"This has helped me with my confidence to take on Marion."

Ferguson went into Monday's final as the red hot favourite after her win in the 100 and an easy victory in the 200 semi-finals. She made a flying start and quickly opened up a lead on her rivals. She came off the bend in control of the race and did not look in danger of losing it.

Ferguson's victory almost certainly cemented her place as the outstanding female athlete in Manchester and she could yet win a third gold medal in Wednesday's 4x100 relay where the Bahamas, the reigning Olympic and world champions, are favourites to win if they can keep hold of the baton.

"I'm really looking forward to the relay -- it should be a lot of fun," she said.

Silver medallist Campbell, who finished second to Australia's Nova Peris-Kneebone at Kuala Lumpur four years ago, said she went into the race carrying an injury but couldn't have beaten Ferguson anyway.

"I think I may have a stress fracture, but I had to come here and do it," Campbell said.

"Debbie is in great shape and I'm really happy for her as she's my friend."