Burrell Beats Lewis Again; Johnson Third in ‘B’ Race

Leroy Burrell retained his edge over Carl Lewis in the 100 meters, beating his Santa Monica Track Club teammate by .07 of a second to win the “Kings of Sprint” event.

Burrell, facing Lewis for the second time in the 100 this season, took the lead early and won in 10.06 seconds.

Last time they met, Burrell set a world record of 9.90 at the U.S. Championships in June with Lewis only .02 behind.

Dennis Mitchell made it an 1-2-3 U.S. finish in 10.14 seconds. Linford Christie of Britain was fourth in 10.18.

Burrell, who was called for the first of two false starts, said he “didn’t react to the gun as well as I would have liked to. I didn’t have the zip. I guess I’ll save that for the World Championships.”

Lewis was not pleased. “I made big mistakes in the start, but I closed well,” he said.

Ben Johnson was originally intended to compete against Lewis and Burrell, but the organizers canceled their contract with him because of his mediocre results. Johnson’s attorneys then threatened to sue, and the Canadian was readmitted to compete in the “B” race with his appearance money cut to $60,000 from an unknown sum, according to a newspaper co-sponsoring the meet.

Johnson finished third in 10.42 in the “B” race behind fellow Canadian Bruno Surin, who ran 10.19, and Floyd Heard.