Athletics: Baton blunder costs relay team

MELBOURNE - James Dolphin threw the baton down in disgust as Chris Donaldson should have been powering it down the Melbourne Cricket Ground home straight as New Zealand's 4x100m relay medal chances imploded with a disastrous final change tonight.  

New Zealand were running second to Australia and ahead of eventual winners Jamaica when Dolphin and Donaldson botched the third transfer as a previously unthought of medal loomed.  

Dolphin ran a superb bend heading into the straight but ended up face first in lane five, baton in hand, as an exasperated Donaldson briefly sprinted away before winding down in disbelief.  

Matt Brown and James Mortimer had New Zealand in contention after a slick start and stood on the back straight anticipating a possible podium finish when disaster struck.  

Donaldson set out early, leaving Dolphin struggling to make up ground before losing his balance and toppling over. 

When Dolphin finally regained his footing he slammed the baton onto the track before joining his disconsolate teammates.  

New Zealand had qualified fifth fastest with a time of 39.04sec -- and if they had repeated that time it would have secured bronze. 

Canada was third in 39.21sec while South Africa were second (38.98sec).  

Gold medal favourites Jamaica, anchored by 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, won in 38.36sec.  

Australia and Ghana also dropped their batons during the race leaving only five finishers.  

- NZPA