The women's 200 metres is set for a fantastic finish.
While 100 metres world champion Kelli White of the United States, silver medallist Torri Edwards, also of the US, and defending champion Zhanna Block of the Ukraine all qualified for the final showdown, Muriel Hurtis of France served notice of her intent to spoil their party by posting the fastest time of the semi-finals, her season best.
Hurtis won the second semi-final in 22.41 seconds, followed closely by Russian Anastasiya Kapachinskaya in 22.43 and Edwards in 22.44 seconds. The fourth qualifier from this heat was Natalya Safronnikova of Belarus, in 22.76 seconds.
The first semi-final, in contrast, was a slower affair, with White winning comfortably in 22.50, followed by Block in 22.61 seconds. Anzhela Kravchenko of the Ukraine came in third in a personal best of 22.66 seconds, followed by Beverly McDonald of Jamaica in 22.92 seconds.
White, however, remains the favourite to complete a golden double. She has been improving with each race and her personal best is 22.21 seconds, set in Palo Alto, California, just two months ago. Her nearest rival is Block, who has a personal best of 22.17 seconds, set six years ago.
Photograph: Getty Images
