Dix crashes out of world championships sprints

By Gene Cherry

EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) - Olympic bronze medallist Walter Dix crashed out of the world athletics championships when he injured his right hamstring in the 100 metres semi-finals at the U.S. trials on Friday.

"It's a strained hamstring," said Dix, who won 100 and 200 metres bronze at Beijing, after finishing a non-qualifying sixth in 10.32 seconds in the second semi-final.

He shook his head when asked if he would run the 200 metres at the U.S. trials.

That means the 23-year-old will not make the U.S. world championship team since only the top three finishers in the American trials and defending world champions qualify.

Olympic decathlon gold medallist Bryan Clay and 110 metres hurdles bronze medallist David Oliver also will miss the world championships in Berlin because of injuries.

Again assisting winds resulted in quick times in the 100 metres semi-finals.

Upcoming Mike Rodgers zipped to a 9.85 second clocking behind a wind of 4.0 metres per second in the opening semi-final. Veteran Darvis Patton ran 9.90 seconds to finish behind him in the same race.

Favourite Carmelita Jeter dominated the women's 100 metres with a wind-assisted 10.72 seconds.

The finals were scheduled for later on Friday.

(Editing by Ian Ransom)