MOSCOW — LaShawn Merritt of the United States reclaimed the world title in the men's 400 meters Tuesday, pulling away from the pack early and winning by more than half a second.
Merritt crossed in 43.74 seconds, the fastest time of the year. Merritt also won the world title in 2009.
American teammate Tony McQuay earned the silver in 44.40, and Luguelin Santos of the Dominican Republic took the bronze in 44.52.
Kirani James of Grenada, the defending world champion and last year's Olympic gold medalist, finished seventh.
