PARIS: Sha'Carri Richardson and Gabby Thomas, the newly crowned Olympic 100 and 200m champions, steered the United States into the final of the women's 4x100m relay after winning their heat on Thursday.
Melissa Jefferson, who won bronze in the 100m in Paris, ran the opening leg, with Twanisha Terry taking the baton down the far straight.
Terry's handover to Thomas wasn't as smooth as it could have been, however, handing the advantage to Germany.
Thomas' pass to anchor-leg Richardson was clean.
The 100m gold medallist then powered past Rebekka Haase to push the German quartet into second in 42.15.
Switzerland took the third automatic qualifying spot.
The final is scheduled for 1730 GMT on Friday.--AFP