Martina upset over disqualification

Aug 21 - Netherlands Antilles remains bitter over the disqualification of star athlete Churandy Martina, who finished second in the men's 200-metres final behind Jamaica's Usain Bolt.

Martina and Wallace Spearmon of the United States were both disqualified after finishing second and third on Wednesday - both for stepping out of their lanes on the turn.

The decisions moved defending champion Shawn Crawford of the U.S. from fourth to second and compatriot Walter Dix took third to match his bronze in the 100m final.

Martina told a news conference in Beijing on Thursday (August 21) that neither he nor his squad officials could understand the decision.

Spearmon was disqualified immediately after the race by judges who saw him stepping on his line. Officials of the Netherlands Antilles said the U.S. team watched videos of the race and told judges that Martina had also stepped out of his lane.

Netherlands Antilles officials said the the whole nation is disappointed over Martina's disqualification.

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