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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United States controversially qualified for the women's 4x100m relay final at the Rio Olympics on Thursday, recording the fastest time of the semifinals after being granted a re-run.
Competing alone, the US team of Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix, English Gardner and Morolake Akinosun clocked 41.77 seconds at the Olympic stadium.
The result meant China will miss Friday's final after originally qualifying eighth fastest.
Earlier, the reigning Olympic champions dropped the baton during the second exchange between Felix and Gardner in the second heat.
The Americans protested, claiming Brazilian Franciela Krasucki bumped Felix before the handover.
In a statement, officials said the race referee deemed Felix to have been obstructed after reviewing video replays.
Jamaica qualified second fastest in 41.79 followed by Britain (41.93) and Germany (42.18).
