Another night, another head-to-head between the United States and Jamaica for the bragging rights over 100m.

After Tyson Gay claimed the right to be called fastest man in the world last night ahead of Asafa Powell, so Torri Edwards and Veronica Campbell look set to battle for the fastest woman tag at 22:20 this evening.

Campbell recorded the faster time – 10.99 – to win the second semi. But Edwards looked equally, if not more impressive in winning the first race in 11.02sec.

The American, who’s aiming to regain the crown she relinquished two years ago, cruised into this evening’s final ahead of the defending champion Lauryn Williams looking as if she has more, much more, to come.

Edwards stormed out of the blocks and established enough of a lead over Williams by 80m that she had time to strole through the line, looking around her.

The extent of her dominance was shown by the energy Williams expended just to stay close. She was second in 11.09, her quickest of the year – but the margin between the two would have been far larger had Edwards not eased down.

Campbell seemed to put more effort into her victory. Indeed it was a muscling display from the Helsinki silver medallist after she appeared to stumble slightly in the early stages.

Kerron Stewart of Jamaica, third in 11.12, and Oludamola Osayomi of Nigeria, fourth in 11.18 were the other sprinters from the first race who booked their return to the start line in a little over two hours time.

Christine Arron of France and European champion Kim Gevaert of Belgium needed to run their quickest races of the year to ensure their final places from the second semi. Arron was second in 11.04, two hundredths ahead of Gevaert, with Carmelita Jeter, fourth in 11.08, ensuring the United States have three finalists, just as they did two years ago.

So, Edwards is still on course to emulate Marion Jones as a twice winner of the 100m, a feat Williams could also match tonight, while Campbell – after winning Olympic bronze in 2004 and silver in Helsinki – is looking to move up one more step and take the gold.

Osaka 2007 News Team/mkb