Friday, August 22, 2008 - 11:36 PM

Russia has won the Olympic women's 4x100 metres relay title while favourite Jamaica failed to finish after botching the hand-off between the third and fourth legs.

The Russians, who settled for Olympic silver in 2004, broke through with Evgeniya Polyakova, Aleksandra Fedoriva, Yulia Gushchina and anchor Yuliya Chermoshanskaya winning in 42.31 seconds.

Belgium, third at last year's worlds, was second in 42.54 with Nigeria third in 43.04.

Jamaica surrendered a certain gold when Sherone Simpson could not find the hand of Kerron Stewart for the penultimate leg.