RAYMOND GRAHAM, STAR Writer

SINCE winning the men's title in the 4x100 metres relay at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Jamaica has gone on to win at the next two championships, and will be hoping to extend that winning streak to four in a row in Beijing.

For the first time since winning in Berlin, the team will not start favourites for the title as fierce rivals, the United States, are wearing that tag this time around.

Jamaica has lost only once since 2008, and that includes the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012.

They were beaten at the World Relays in May, upstaged by the USA, who was the last team to win at the World Championships (Osaka 2007), before Jamaica's dominance began.

The USA ran a world leading 37.38 seconds in the Bahamas, while Jamaica had to settle for second in a season best 37.68.

Double sprint world champion Usain Bolt has been on all three championships winning teams.

The big question here, will be: Which four will represent Jamaica in Beijing? In Bahamas, Kemar Bailey-Cole was no match for Justin Gatlin on the second leg.

Gatlin opened up the lead to give Gay a big lead, which he maintained.

Bolt, on the anchor, was no match for the American team led by Ryan Bailey. But with Bolt now nearing top form, it should be a different story, and the United States will definitely need a bigger lead than they got in the Bahamas if they are to defeat the Jamaicans.

A very interesting battle awaits.

Top THREE

1. USA 2. Jamaica 3. Japan