Lewis Defeated in 100 Meters as Austrian Wins at New Delhi

NEW DELHI — Carl Lewis lost a 100-meter race by one hundredth of a second to unheralded Andreas Berger of Austria Tuesday, a few hours after a long flight from the United States.

Despite the defeat, an estimated 40,000 cheered Lewis and mobbed him for autographs.

Berger was timed in 10.46 seconds to Lewis’ 10.47 in a race run on a hot and humid evening at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Lewis, who arrived early Tuesday for the two-day meet, said: “I was a little bit tired from the long journey. I have nearly traveled half of the globe to reach here.

“But there is no excuse. I had problems with the starting block. They were slipping. It was a bad day for me, but as I said there is no excuse.”

“I can’t believe I have beaten Carl,” an elated Berger said. “If Carl is in a good shape, I have no chance.”

Lewis has won six Olympic golds medals, including the 100 meters at the last two Games.

He is scheduled to compete in the 400-meter relay today.

In an earlier event, Said Aouita, the Moroccan middle distance runner, won the 1,500 in 3 minutes 34.90 seconds.

Aouita’s countryman, Aziz Sahere, finished second. Steve Ovett was third.