Brazilian Da Silva Wins Gold in World Games 200-Meter Dash

Robson da Silva of Brazil, the Olympic bronze medalist, won the gold medal in the men’s 200-meter dash at the World University Games today.

Da Silva, who posted a time of 19.96 seconds at a Grand Prix meet in Brussels on Friday, clocked a relatively slow 20.33.

Da Silva, the fastest man in the world this year over the distance, trailed Felix Stevens of Cuba going into the homestretch. But Da Silva’s long stride and powerful acceleration enabled him to charge past Stevens in the final 50 meters. Da Silva slowed in the final 10 meters.

Stevens finished second in 20.58 and Kevin Braunskill of the United States was third in 20.62.

Steve Backley of Britain won the men’s javelin with a meet-record throw of 280 feet, 10 inches, the third longest in the world this year.

Galina Malchougina of the Soviet Union easily won the women’s 200 in 22.70. Liliana Allen of Cuba edged Esther Jones of the United States for the silver. Allen was timed in 23.00, with Jones close behind in 23.02.

One of the most exciting duels was in the women’s 400-meter intermediate hurdles, with Margarita Khromonova of the Soviet Union battling Rosey Edeh of Canada for the gold throughout the race.