Americans disqualified from 400 relay

BERLIN - No fumbling of the baton this time. No final, either.

Soon after turning in the fastest time in the men's 400-meter relay Friday, the Americans were disqualified at the world championships for passing the baton outside of the designated zone at Olympic Stadium.

The Americans' appeal, citing inconclusive video footage, was rejected.

Even when they get the baton around the track, they still can't advance.

The latest miscue comes after a botched exchange at the Beijing Olympics last summer, and the big mistake overshadowed 2 big wins Friday.

Allyson Felix broke the Jamaicans' stronghold on the sprints, holding off Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown to win the 200. Moments later LaShawn Merritt breezed to a win in the 400, cruising past rival and defending champion Jeremy Wariner.

With the wins, the United States jumped over Jamaica in the medals table with 6 golds and 16 overall. Jamaica was second with 5 golds and 10 overall. Russia had 4 golds and 11 overall.

When Merritt heard the news of the relay team's DQ, he was shocked.

"Oh, yeah?" he said. "It's too bad."

Before being disqualified, the Americans were in line for a showdown in Saturday's final with Usain Bolt and the Jamaicans. The Americans easily won their heat while the Jamaicans, running without Bolt and Asafa Powell, finished second in their heat. That gives Bolt a shot at winning a third gold and setting a third world record at the world championships.

After 2 gold medals and two world records in six days, Bolt took a rest Friday, centering on signing autographs instead of running as he celebrated his 23rd birthday with the fans at the Olympic Stadium.