Bolt runs anchor leg of record relay

Usain Bolt powered his Jamaican team to a new world record of 37.04 seconds for the men's 400-meter relay title Sunday to close the nine-day World Championships.

The Jamaican quartet of Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Yohan Blake and Bolt broke the team's previous record of 37.10, set at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

There was, however, disaster for the Jamaican's main rivals, the United States.

Lying in second place coming into the final bend, Darvis Patton failed to get the baton to Walter Dix after the former had made contact with Briton Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The collision also upset the British handover, putting them out of the race.

"I felt a knee on my arm," the Englishman said. "I didn't come here for this, and I don't want to have to apologize to the nation. I am sorry to the nation and the whole team. I was in my lane, but I still have to say sorry to the American guy."

France, with 200-meter bronze medalist Christophe Lemaitre running the second leg, benefited from the mix ups to take silver (38.20 seconds), with Saint Kitts and Nevis claiming bronze (38.49).

But all were left trailing the wake of the Jamaicans.

Carter went off like a rocket from the blocks, and smooth handovers to the dependable Frater and Blake saw Bolt in prime position for the final 100-meter sprint. Bolt again showed a determination going for the line that is often missing.

Teeth clenched and eyes stuck on the trackside clock by the finish line, the 25-year-old superstar dipped in desperation, his head pivoting to see if the record had been broken.

"We were feeling wonderful," said Blake, who won 100-meter gold after Bolt was disqualified a week ago. "We got this and knew we could do it. When Usain got the baton, I could see the record come tumbling."