Lyles and Rival in 200m Flashpoint

US c'ships winner accused of unsportsmanlike behaviour by Bednarek, who pushes him

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Eugene - Noah Lyles believes he is rounding into form at the right time ahead of September's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, after a scintillating world-leading 200m victory at the US Track and Field Championships on Aug 3.

Lyles, the reigning Olympic 100m champion, will attempt to retain both his 100m and 200m world crowns in Japan, aiming for a fourth consecutive world 200m gold.

The 28-year-old from Florida warmed up for that challenge in Eugene on Aug 3 by clocking 19.63 seconds in a testy battle with Kenny Bednarek at Hayward Field.

Lyles angered Bednarek by turning his head to stare down his rival just before he took the tape.

Bednarek shoved Lyles in the back over that apparent taunt.

Lyles refused to comment about the flashpoint after his win.

"Under coach's orders, no comment," Lyles said, before brushing off further attempts to talk about the spat.

Bednarek, though, was more expansive.

"That's unsportsmanlike shit and I don't deal with that," Bednarek said.

"I don't deal with any of that stuff. It's not good character."

The feud sets up the possibility of an intriguing rivalry over the remaining months of the season between the two American sprinters.