WRITTEN FOR THE IAAF WEBSITE
The Americans unsurprisingly qualified quickest for Sunday’s final with a dominant 3:30.54 first heat win.
Gunning for their third straight victory in these championships, a fierce squad led from the gun to win their heat by almost two seconds from the Great British team, who clocked 3:32.57, respectively.
The Americans used 2016 world indoor 400m bronze medalist, Quanera Hayes on their first leg before handing over to 2014 world indoor 4x400m gold medalist, Joanna Atkins.
On the third leg, they fielded 2012 400m hurdles fifth placer, Georganne Moline – who sped to a swift 51.35 split – before three-time NCAA 800m champion, Raevyn Rogers brought the hot favourites home clear.
The US quartet for the final could also feature others from their impressive roster of talent which includes world outdoor 400m champion, Phyllis Francis, world and Olympic relay champion Courtney Okolo and another relay gold medalist, Shakima Wimbley.
The Brits clocked a season’s best to take the second automatic qualifying spot and they will be able to rely upon 2014 European 400m hurdles champion, Eilidh Doyle and Olympic bronze and world outdoor silver relay medalist, Anyika Onuora together with Zoe Clark – another London relay runner-up – as the 2012 winners aim for at least a silver medal tomorrow.
The Jamaicans claimed the second heat with 3:32.01 in a tight race which they held the advantage from the offset.
The Caribbean quartet had Olympic 400m hurdles finalist, Janieve Russell on their first leg, who clocked their fastest split with 52.02.
They also boast Olympic relay silver medalist, Stephenie Ann-McPherson and world junior 400m champion, Tiffany James in their armoury for the final.
Ukraine, meanwhile finished second in 3:32.06 and the Polish squad come home in third position with 3:32.07.
Poland will have European indoor 400m bronze medalist, Justina Swiety-Ersetic at their disposal – herself having been a member of their 2016 world indoor silver medal-winning team.
And IItaly is the final team to further progress, following their 3:32.62 season’s best behind USA and Great Britain.
