Fraser secures Jamaican double in 100 meters

BERLIN (Reuters) - Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser of Jamaica exploded from the blocks to win the world 100 meters title on Monday in 10.73 seconds, the joint third fastest women's run of all time.

Compatriot Kerron Stewart took silver with American Carmelita Jeter snatching bronze.

As in last year's Olympics, Jamaica have won both blue-ribbon 100 meters events here after Usain Bolt smashed the world record to take the men's gold in 9.58 on Sunday.

"When he ran I said this boy is just not human at all. I went to bed thinking 'ok it is my time now'," Fraser told reporters.

The 22-year-old burst into the lead before thwarting a late challenge from Beijing Games joint silver medalist Stewart, who ran a personal best 10.75 and ended in Fraser's lane in the last steps.

"I know if I want to do the best race I have to work on my start," added Fraser. "The victory is no surprise to me and the time of 10.73 neither.

PERFECT START

"I wanted to win, I made a perfect start and then executed well."

Her run-up to the championships was plagued by injuries, an appendix operation in April and a loss of confidence.

"Then I realized I had come so far and everyone around me was supporting me. I wanted to come back (after the Olympics) and win," said Fraser.

Jeter, who was also third at the 2007 world championships, claimed the bronze in 10.90 ahead of holder Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica.

The American ran a personal best of 10.83 to win her semi-final heat but was unable to keep up with the Jamaicans in the final.

Stewart said: "If I am going to run 10.75, my best, and get beat that just shows the (depth of the) field and shows Jamaica has taken track and field to a new and higher level."

(Additional reporting by Gene Cherry)

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)