Newz Forum: OLYMPICS: Devers, French favorite flop in 100-meter heats

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Americans Lauryn Williams and LaTasha Colander sped into the 100-meter final Saturday behind Yuliya Nesterenko of Belarus, but two-time winner Gail Devers was eliminated along with gold-medal favorite Christine Arron of France.

Williams, the 20-year-old NCAA champion from Miami, won her heat in 11.01 seconds. Colander was fourth in that heat, barely edging 44-year-old Merlene Ottey for a spot in the final later Saturday night.

In the other heat, Arron got a terrible start, appearing to stumble in the opening meters. She quickly found herself behind the field and finished sixth in 11.21. Devers was seventh in 11.22.

That heat was won by Nesterenko in 10.92. She is the only woman to have broken 11 seconds in all three rounds so far.