THOMPSON
MELBOURNE, Australia (CMC):
JAMAICAN KEMEL Thompson logged the only Caribbean win at the Athletics Australia Invitational track and field meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Saturday night.
World Championship semi-finalist Thompson won the men's 400-metre hurdles in 49.84.
Trinidad and Tobago's Ato Modibo and his wife Cydonie Mothersill, of the Cayman Islands, had 400-metre outings, but Modibo was the only one to get a top-three spot at the meet that heralded the return of athletics to the famous cricketing venue.
The MCG is staging track and field competition at next month's Commonwealth Games. The venue held events at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and is staging athletics for the first time in 50 years.
Local star Jana Pittman had a fine win in the women's 400-metre hurdles, clocking a fast 54.41 seconds, leaving Sonia Brito (57.69) and Lauren Boden (58.69) a long way behind.
In the men's 100 metres, Britain's Mark Lewis-Francis won in 10.22 seconds, edging Daniel Batman (10.25) and Adam Miller (10.26).
"I'm shocked and excited at the time, it's my first run and I've hardly done any speed work," the Athens relay gold medallist said after his win.
Australian champion John Steffensen took to the MCG for the first time - blitzing the field to take the 400 metres.
Steffensen produced his trademark explosive third 100 to take control of the race, stretching his lead in the home straight to win in 45.44, ahead of Mark Ormrod (46.05) with Modibo third in 46.06.
"I'm happy to experience the stadium and my main goal was the keep the Commonwealth guy (Modibo) just there (behind me), just so he doesn't even think about winning," Steffenson said.
In the women's 400, Tamsyn Lewis overcame a difficult lane draw to record to win in 52.83 seconds.
Lewis was drawn in lane eight, and used her 800-metre strength to her advantage, clawing back early leader Mothersill and just holding off Rosemary Hayward (52.85) to win.
Mothersill faded out of the top three as Annabelle Smith came on to take third in 53.05 seconds.
Batman looked impressive in the men's 200 metres, stopping the clock at 20.55, chased by Miller (20.96) and Britain's Marlon Devonish (20.99).
