INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, (Reuters):

DEEDEE TROTTER ran the fastest women's 400 metres in the world this year and ended the 18-race winning streak of world silver medallist Sanya Richards at the U.S. championships yesterday.

Trotter, fifth-place finisher in the 2004 Olympics and 2005 World Championships, came from third off the final bend to claim the win in a lifetime best 49.64 seconds.

Natasha Hastings finished second in 49.84, with Mary Wineberg third in 50.24.

Struggling Richards

A struggling Richards, who hasbeen suffering from a flu-like illness this year, placed fourth in 50.68.

Richards, the IAAF female athlete of the year, will now attempt to qualify for the Osaka World Championships in the 200m.

World silver medallist James Carter provided another world-leading time, winning the 400m hurdles in 47.72 seconds. Kerron Clement was second in 47.80 and Derrick Williams third in 48.26.

Angelo Taylor, the 2000 Olympic 400m hurdles gold medallist, was first in the men's 400m in 44.05 seconds. He was followed by LaShawn Merritt in 44.06 and Lionel Larry in 44.84.

Ginnie Powell won the women's 100m hurdles in 12.63 seconds. World champion Michelle Perry was second in 12.72, with Lolo Jones third in 12.79.

Olympic champion Joanna Hayes went out in the semi-finals with cramps.