U.S. sprinters to shine in Berlin - coaches

By Gene Cherry

EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) - The U.S. team at August's world athletics championships are expected to take the fast track to success, with coaches tipping sprinters and hurdlers to lead the way in Berlin.

"We have put together a great team," women's head coach Chandra Cheeseborough told Reuters at the conclusion of the four-day U.S. trials on Sunday.

"I really like the make-up of this team," men's coach Harvey Glance added. "We have seasoned veterans, but I also like the fact we have some rookies."

Hurdles squads for both men and women should be especially strong after Olympic bronze medallist Bershawn Jackson and a rejuvenated Lashinda Demus delivered season-leading times in winning 400 metres hurdles titles.

Olympic champion Dawn Harper looked impressive in a wind-assisted women's 100 hurdles with Beijing silver medallist David Payne claiming the men's 110 hurdles with a narrow win over Terrence Trammell, twice an Olympic silver medallist.

Top American sprinter Tyson Gay ran only one race at the trials, as the defending 100 and 200 metres world champion has an automatic bye to Berlin in both events.

However, he showed plenty of speed in his only appearance, clocking a wind-assisted 9.75 seconds in a 100 metres preliminary round.