Jones sprints to 3rd fastest time

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 13: Marion Jones celebrated her first track appearance in Africa yesterday with the third fastest 200 metres time ever on the first day of the World Cup.

Jones moved ahead of Merlene Ottey on the all-time list by clocking 21.62 seconds in the thin Johannesburg air, 1,700 metres above sea level.

Only Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo), who clocked 21.34 and 21.56 at the Seoul Olympics 10 years ago, has run faster and Jones now has what were once regarded as unapproachable marks well within her sights.