Lyles clocks world's fastest 200m this year in heated US trials race

Noah Lyles surged past Kenny Bednarek to win a heated 200-metre race in a world-leading time at the USA Track and Field Championships on Sunday, turning to stare down Bednarek as the sprint rivals crossed the finish line.

Lyles, the three-times world champion in the event, trailed coming off the bend but stormed to the front to cross in 19.63 seconds, the fastest time in the world this season in a huge statement ahead of next month's World Championships in Tokyo.

Bednarek, winner of Friday's 100m, finished in 19.67, and then shoved Lyles in the back after they crossed. Lyles turned angrily with arms raised before the two exchanged words and finally shook hands.

"It was a pretty difficult championship," said Lyles, who has been hampered with an ankle injury this season. "I've been tired. It's been rough, coming out here when you're not 100 per cent."

Lyles had not needed to compete in Eugene, Oregon to qualify for Tokyo, as he already had a bye in both the 100m and 200m as the reigning champion.

Their anger spilled into their trackside NBC interview. "If you've got a problem, I expect a call," Bednarek said. Lyles replied: "You know what, you're right... Let's talk after this."

Asked about the look and shove, Bednarek said: "I'm not going to say it out here, but we got something to do and talk about."

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won the women's 200m to become the first woman to sweep the 100m and 200m titles since 2003, while 200m Olympic champion Gabby Thomas needed a photo finish to sneak into the top-three spots for a world championship ticket.

Jefferson-Wooden led from the gun to finish in 21.84, while Anavia Battle ran 22.13 for second and Thomas had a late surge to finish tied with Brittany Brown in 22.20. A photo finish had