Jones blasts way to top time in sprint

OMAHA, Nebraska (Reuters) - Cullen Jones provided some Independence Day fireworks at the U.S. Olympic trials on Friday by rocketing to an American record 21.59 in the 50 meter freestyle heats.

Silver medalist in the sprint at last year's world championships, Jones launched his bid for Olympic gold by slicing .17 seconds off Gary Hall Jr.'s mark of 21.76 set eight years ago during the Sydney Games trials.

Australia's Eamon Sullivan holds the world record of 21.28 set in March.

"I'll take an American record," said a beaming Jones, one of the few African American swimmers competing internationally. "I'm really excited for tonight. I felt good but I think there's a lot more in the tank so we'll see what can happen tonight."

World champion Ben Wildman-Tobriner clocked the second fastest time of 21.68 ahead of Hall, who moved safely through to the evening semi-finals with the third best time of 21.89.

Katie Hoff and Kate Ziegler cruised to dominating wins in the 800m preliminary heats to set up a mouth-watering showdown in Saturday's final.

Ziegler, the world champion, eased home unchallenged to win her heat in 8:29.39 while Hoff, who has dominated the women's trials by qualifying in four individual events, coasted to the wall in 8:29.91.

"I can't wait until tomorrow night," said Ziegler. "Katie has been on fire here and I went a little faster in the 400 than my best time so there is always the possibility (of a world record) but to be honest with you I am not focusing on the time. It really is for me at this meet the top two."

Michael Phelps, who has targeted Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at a single Summer Games in Beijing, continued to put the finishing touches on his Olympic program by posting the second best time of 52.21 in the 100m butterfly heats behind world record holder Ian Crocker on 51.52.

The 100m fly represents Crocker's last opportunity to clinch an Olympic spot after being disqualified from the 100m free for a false start.

"I've been sitting around my hotel room watching people do amazing things waiting for my shot," said Crocker. "The 100 fly is the gift I've been given, you shake your money maker in what you do and see what happens."

(Editing by Justin Palmer)

("Countdown to Beijing Olympics" blog at blogs.reuters.com/china)