Ottey Extends Streak in 200 to 36

Merlene Ottey, the successor to Florence Griffith Joyner as the world’s leading female sprinter, extended her 200-meter streak to 36 victories Friday night in a Grand Prix meet at London’s Crystal Palace Stadium.

Ottey’s time of 22.24 seconds was the fastest run in England by a woman. She easily defeated Germany’s Grit Breuer.

Since Joyner retired shortly after dominating the 1988 Olympic Games, Ottey, 31, has had a streak of 52 victories at 100 meters. The Jamaican said she is ready to win both sprint titles at the World Championships next month in Tokyo.

“I would like two gold medals,” Ottey said.

Leroy Burrell, who set the world record at 100 meters last month, suffered a rare defeat in the 200. John Regis, the European 200 champion, held off Burrell by about three meters to win in 20.40 seconds.

Mary Slaney, trying to make another comeback from injuries, led until the last 200 meters of the women’s 2,000 but was overtaken by Britain’s Yvonne Murray. Slaney finished 3 1/2 seconds behind in 5:38.95.

“I think I was competitive,” Slaney said, “which is about all I can hope for at this point.”