DEVYNNE CHARLTON, shown here in action, is preparing to represent The Bahamas in the women’s 100 metre hurdles at her fourth World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, August 19-27.

it’s not going to bother her because she’s looking forward to improving on her seventh place finish at her fourth appearance at the championships last year in Eugene, Oregon.

“Usually coming into the championships, I’m not normally considered to be a contender for a medal, so it doesn’t phase me out,” she said. “I know what type of shape I’m in so it’s just a matter of me going out there and executing on that day.”

Without divulging too much information, Charlton said the goal is to get on the podium and bring home some of the hardware.

“I’m definitely looking forward to something special,” said Charlton, who ended her season last year as the Commonwealth Games and NACAC Championship silver medallist. She noted that the field of competitors is expected to be intense as usual, with or without Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, who lowered the world record to 12.12 in the

Spain beats Sweden 2-1 with last-minute goal and advances to its first Women’s World Cup final

By ANNE M PETERSON AP Sports Writer

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Spain will play for its first Women’s World Cup championship after Olga Carmona’s goal in the 89th minute lifted La Roja to a 2-1 victory over Sweden in the semifinal yesterday.

Spain, which overcame last year’s near mutiny by its players against coach Jorge Vilda, will play the winner of tournament co-host Australia and England on Sunday in the final in Sydney.

The controversy surrounding Spain dates to last September, when 15 players signed a letter complaining about Vilda and the conditions for the the national team.

Three of those players are on this World Cup team, and Vilda a day before the game against Sweden praised the Spanish federation for its support.

Now, La Roja has a chance to become a firsttime World Cup champion. “This is a historic day,” said Vilda. “We’re in the final, that’s what we wanted.”

He again thanked the federation and its leadership for the support that has Spain one win away from the World Cup.

“The end result is a learning process which has made us all stronger in my opinion, and to leave it archived in the past and think about the future,” Vilda said through a translator. “And to think that