Athletics: Harrison edges Edwards again

Jonathan Edwards was beaten for the first time since the Olympics in the triple jump at the Toto International event in Tokyo yesterday.

Edwards could manage only 17.38 metres, which left him behind the American Kenny Harrison, who recorded 17.51 to repeat his victory over Edwards in Atlanta.

Another Briton defeated by a familiar opponent was Steve Backley, who threw 84.46m to finish third in the javelin behind the man who consigned him to silver at the Games, Jan Zelezny of the Czech Republic.

In the 400m, Roger Black led a high-class field, albeit minus Michael Johnson, home in 45.33 seconds, while Frankie Fredericks of Namibia edged past the field in the second half of the 100m race to beat the Olympic champion Donovan Bailey, who was relegated to third behind the second- placed Dennis Mitchell.

Merlene Ottey also gained a measure of revenge against Gail Devers in the women's 100m, reversing their Olympic finish. Chandra Sturrup of the Bahamas was third.

Wilson Kipketer turned in the fourth fastest 800m time ever in 1min 42.17sec.