Veronica Campbell (left) powers to victory in 11.31 seconds ahead of Kerron Stewart in heat two of the women's 100 metres at yesterday's opening day of the three-day JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.
-Ian Allen photo
Elton Tucker, Assistant Sport Editor
DEFENDING WOMEN'S 100 metres champion Aleen Bailey and former champion Veronica Campbell are poised for a battle royal in today's women's 100 metres event at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Athletics Championships.
The former Vere Technical High stars both clocked 11.31 seconds to win their respective heats and lead all qualifiers into today's 6:00 p.m. semi-finals.
Several heats were hit by no-shows. The most notable absentee was 2000 Olympic 100m bronze medallist Tayna Lawrence who is injured.
Campbell looked in top form in finishing ahead of Kerron Stewart, 11.48, and 15-year-old Holmwood Technical schoolgirl Schilone Calvert, 11.62 in the second of four heats.
Bailey was equally impressive in taking heat three ahead of Shernett Hyatt-Davis 11.55 and Jennifer Powell, 12.20. There was disaster for local high school sprint champion Simone Facey who pulled up after 70 metres with a pulled muscle.
National long jump record holder Elva Goulbourne streaked away from the field to register the third fastest time, taking heat four in 11.40 from Nadine Palmer, 11.60 and Judyth Kitson, 11.68.
Local-based Sherone Simpson, Jamaica's fastest woman over the distance this year was second in heat one won by veteran Beverly McDonald in 11.48. Simpson, who had gone down to a personal best 11.01 this year, looked completely at ease in taking second in 11.67.
SAVING SOMETHING
The male sprinters all seemed to be saving something for today's semi-finals and final.
Leading the semi-final qualifiers was Patrick Jarrett who is running in his first national championships since a two-year drug suspension. He sent an early message to his rivals with 10.27 in the last of seven heats.
Running in his trademark sun glasses and with his usual 'blond' hair, Jarrett pulled Lerone Clarke down to 10.29 while the other automatic qualifier, Clement Clarke, had the third fastest time of 10.30.
Hot favourite Asafa Powell ran an untroubled 10.36 to finish well ahead of Wadell Thompson (10.61) in heat one.
The other top contenders all won their heats. Steve Mullings took heat two in 10.35 ahead of Ryan James, 10.43. St. George's College's 'champs' record holder, Tesfa Latty, failed to advance from this heat.
Michael Frater took heat three in 10.36 and Dwight Thomas ran away with heat four in 10.37.
The men's 400m hurdles heats lived up to their billing. The first two of three heats ended in close finishes. Adrian Findlay clipped defending champion Danny McFarlane in heat one. Both were credited with 49.64.
In a clash of former champions in heat two Dinsdale Morgan clocked 49.69 to get the better of Kemel Thompson (49.88), a finalist at last year's World Championships in Paris.
The fastest man in the heats was Dean Griffiths who ran a powerful race for a good 49.46 and beating Ian Weakley, 50.55.
Only nine women turned up for the women's 400m hurdles. Patrina Allen had the fastest time, 56.18, in winning heat two ahead of Allison Beckford, 56.52, and Shevon Stoddart, 56.54. Veteran Debbie Ann Parris took heat one in 56.65 ahead of Tanya Jarrett, 57.55.
Yesterday's finals: Men's shot put 1. Dorian Scott 18.11m, 2. Jason Morgan 15.99m, 3. Shawn Silvera 15.92, 4. Maurice Smith 15.76m.
Triple jump: 1. Wilbert Walker 15.65m, 2. Gregory Hughes 15.53, 3. Kenneth Sylvester 15.32m.
