EDMONTON, Canada Marion Jones anchored the United States to the gold medal in the 4x100 meters relay on Saturday, to end a bitter-sweet competition by equaling the record number of women's titles in world championship history.

Taking the baton and a commanding lead from Inger Miller, Jones blazed across the line in 41.71 seconds and into the record books, the victory bringing her world gold medal haul to five, the same as compatriot Gail Devers.

Germany finished a distant second taking the silver in 42.32, while France claimed the bronze in 42.39, Reuters reported.

"My job was easy, they did all the work," said Jones. "I'm just happy to leave with a victory.

"It's great to come out and be on top again.

"It's about time."

The American's return to the head of the podium was helped when the Bahamas, which defeated Jamaica and a Jones-anchored relay team at the Sydney Olympics, could not defend their 1999 world title because of to few available athletes.

Jones leaves Edmonton with golds from the 200 meters and the relay, but the championships are more likely to be remembered for her disappointing second place finish to Ukraine's Zhanna Pintusevich-Block in the 100 meters final.

The loss was Jones's first in four years in a 100 meter final, denting the triple Olympic champion's aura of invincibility.