In-form Richards wants to run even faster

Sanya Richards just keeps pushing the barrier, race after race. Shortly after setting a year-best time of 49.23secs on her way to a 400m win at the Exxon Mobil Bislett Games in Oslo on Friday, the 24-year-old set another target - reach the 49secs mark. The American has been such glorious form all year that her quest for a second AF Golden League jackpot of US1 million (Dh3.67m) remains a very strong possibility.

More than the money, though, she has been aiming to run even faster. And Friday's result could not make her any happier. "I finished well. I am on form and I think I can go under 49secs soon," said Richards. "That's my best time today since 2006 and the fourth best of my career." With her next outings in Rome next Friday and Paris seven days later, Richards added: "I'm happy with the way I'm now running and I can fully focus on the other races."

sports@thenational.ae