BBC SPORT | Athletics | Africa earn place in history

Africa's men clinched an unprecedented fourth consecutive World Cup title in Madrid on Saturday.

In the women's event, controversial Russian runner Olga Yegorova inspired her country to their first women's crown with only her second win in nine races.

Results from Madrid

Europe had fought a titanic duel with the Africans all through the second day of the men's competition and had looked to have struck a significant blow in the men's 200m.

Anier Garcia of Cuba took victory in the 110m hurdles
Garcia powered to victory in the 110m hurdles
Ironically, that victory came from former Nigerian Francis Obikwelu, who became a naturalised Portuguese late last year

Africa had hoped Frankie Fredericks would deliver the maximum nine points, but the four-time Olympic silver medallist was edged out by Obikwelu.

Photo Gallery: See pictures from Madrid

Europe saw their chances of the trophy disappear when Israeli pole vaulter Alexandre Averbukh no heighted.

South Africa's Commonwealth champion Okkert Brits won the event to give Africa a substantial lead.

Europe eventually finished in third spot on 115 points, four behind the United States and 19 behind Africa.

Yegorova's outstanding run in the 5000m gave her victory over Spain's European champion Marta Dominguez.

Gail Devers won the 110m hurdles
Devers won the 100m hurdles for the US
The Russian had not looked the same athlete that romped to victory in the world 5000m final last year amid threats of a boycott by other runners because she had tested positive for EPO in Paris.

"It is really good to win a race as competitive as this because I have been lacking my usual bite this season," she said.

"Hopefully I will be back to my best next year."

The United States' hopes of retaining their title disappeared in the 5000m when Collette Liss trailed in last.

Russia eventually finished on 126 points, with Europe in second on 123 and the Americas third on 110.

The most commanding performance of the night came in the women's 1,500m.

Turkey's Sureyya Ayhan, running for Europe, led from start to finish to win in four minutes 02.57 seconds.

Turkey's Sureyya Ayhan won the 1,500m in fine style
Turkey's Ayhan won the 1,500m in fine style
"It was a very important victory," said Ayhan. "It was the second most important competition of the year after the European Championships."

Competing in his last outdoor race, world record holder Colin Jackson came to a complete halt in the high hurdles after knocking over the third barrier.

The 35-year-old Briton then jogged slowly through the remainder of the race to take eighth place but was later disqualified for pushing over a hurdle with his hand.

Cuba's Olympic champion Anier Garcia won for the Americas in 13.10secs, ahead of former Olympic gold medallist Allen Johnson, who clocked 13.45.


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