Christian Taylor wins triple jump

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LONDON -- Carmelita Jeter and Walter Dix won the sprints, Sanya Richards-Ross captured the 400 and triple jumper Christian Taylor upset the world champion Saturday in a strong showing by Americans at the Crystal Palace Diamond League meet.

U.S. champion Taylor recorded a leap of 58 feet, ¼ inch, while Phillips Idowu's best of 56 feet was good enough only for third, behind Tosin Oke of Nigeria.

Richards-Ross returned to form in the 400 meters after missing last season because of abdominal injuries. She clocked a season-best time of 49.66 seconds for her first international victory since 2009. She will defend her world title in the 400 this month in Daegu, South Korea.

"Let me tell you, it's been a long year for me," said Richards-Ross, who thrust both arms in the air after crossing the finish line. "Training has been going so well for so long, so I knew it was a matter of time."

Taylor produced his best-ever jump in the third round of the triple jump, beating his previous mark of 57-1 and upstaging Idowu in front of the Londoner's home crowd.

"I feel incredible after getting a PB (personal best). The atmosphere was great, the weather was a little rough at first but it turned out as a blessing," Taylor said. "I'm trying to work towards the world championships, and this will be a big confidence booster."

Jeter finished in 10.93 seconds to underline her status as the favorite in Daegu with her sixth win of the season and third straight. Jamaicans Kelly-Ann Baptiste and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were second and third.

Olympic bronze medalist Dix staked his claim as the main threat to Usain Bolt in the 200 at the worlds, winning in 20.16. Dix finished ahead of Jamaica's Warren Weir, who clocked a personal best of 20.43.

In the 400, Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu of Britain was way off the pace, finishing last.

"I haven't done enough work to challenge these girls," said Ohuruogu, who had injury problems last year.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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