media_artricles :: 2013

100 CONFUSION

Bledman runs under protest after false start

Reigning men’s 100 metres champion Keston Bledman ran his qualifying heat under protest, on the opening day of the NAAA Sagicor General/NGC National Open Track and Field Championships, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, late yesterday.

Bledman was disqualified for a false start. He chose to run under protest, and topped heat seven in 10.19 seconds. However, up to press time, there was no official word on the status of his protest.

The other heat winners, yesterday, were Jamol James (10.24), Emmanuel Callender (10.31), Richard “Torpedo” Thompson (10.39), John Mark Constantine (10.39), Aaron Armstrong (10.43), Ayodele Taffe (10.47), Rondel Sorrillo (10.52), and Justin Maloney (10.80).

Kelly-Ann Baptiste made a powerful statement in the women’s 100m heats. Baptiste was unchallenged in winning heat one, the reigning champion cruising to the line in a fast 11.10 seconds. Kamaria Durant was a distant second in 11.41.

Reyare Thomas won the second heat in 11.58 seconds. Semoy Hackett clocked 11.32 for top spot in heat three, ahead of Kai Selvon (11.49). And in the fourth and final heat, Michelle-Lee Ahye blazed to victory in 11.22 seconds.

Baptiste has a lot left in her tank, and seems set to capture her seventh national 100m title, at the Crawford Stadium today.

The men’s and women’s 400m preliminaries were contested late yesterday.

Earlier, Richard Jones was a runaway winner in the men’s 10,000m event.

Jones, Kelvin Johnson and Curtis Cox were locked in an early battle for the lead. But it was Jones who took charge, pulling away from his rivals and giving himself a comfortable cushion.

Better known for his exploits on the road, Jones showed he is capable too on the track, winning in 30 minutes, 58.33 seconds. Johnson clocked 31:14.14 to secure silver, while bronze went to Cox in 31:32.47.

Jamaal James established himself as favourite for tomorrow’s men’s 800m championship race with the easiest of victories in his qualifying heat, yesterday. The defending champion got home in 1:51.92 to top heat two, leading all qualifiers into the final. Ashton Gill was a distant second in 1:56.37, his clocking too slow for a “fastest loser” berth in the final.

Cliffton Sylvester won the opening heat in 1:54.36 to advance automatically to the final. And in the third and final heat, George Smith got the better of Carifta Games boys’ under-20 champion Mark London. Smith clocked 1:52.30, while London was second in 1:53.45, the teenager advancing as a “fastest loser”.

One of the highlights on today’s programme will be the men’s 110m hurdles showdown between national record holder Mikel Thomas (13.19 seconds) and reigning NCAA champion Wayne Davis II.

Aleesha Barber is tipped for top honours in the women’s 100m hurdles. Ayanna Alexander will be on show in the women’s triple jump. Akeem Stewart competes in the men’s shot put. And in the men’s long jump, 16 athletes are listed for action.

The long jump field is an interesting blend of youth and experience. Reigning Carifta Games boys’ under-17 champion, Andwuelle Wright and his fellow-teen, Che Richards are the youngest of the 16 jumpers. The oldest is national record holder Wendell Williams (8.14 metres). Forty-four-year-old Williams will bid for his first national title since 1998.

Reigning champion Kyron Blaise, two-time champion Dwaine Herbert, Atiba Wright, and Chris Hercules will also bid for precious metal.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for two p.m. today. Action on the track and in the field will start one hour later.

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