by Larry Eder
Asafa Powell, photo by PhotoRun.net
Asafa Powell back to business: 9.84 WL
KINGSTON (JAM, May 9): At Jamaican Invitational (IAAF World Challenge) the 21 year old Shaunae Miller ran a world lead and Bahamian record of 22.14 (0.2) to win the 200m over a strong field, including Tori Bowie (22.29), Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce (22.37) and Sherone Simpson (22.64). US hurdler Jasmin Stowers lowered her world lead by 0.01, stopping the clock at 12.39 (2.0) to move to equal 10th on the world all-time list. Danielle Williams (12.77), Shermaine Williams (12.89) and Phylicia George (12.94) followed. Sanya Richards Ross continued on from her impressive showing in the Bahamas, by posting a world leading 49.95 to beat a world class 400m field. Francena McCorory (50.73), Stephanie Ann McPherson (50.98), Novlene Williams Mills (51.32) and world champion Christine Ohuruogu (51.48) were all left in her wake. Top hurdler Kaliese Spencer clocked 51.70. Asafa Powell ran a world leading 9.84 (1.8) to win the 100m, his fastest time since 2011. Ryan Bailey (9.93) and Nesta Carter (9.98) both recorded season’s best behind him. Andrew Fisher (10.01 PB), Richard Thompson (10.04) and Daniel Bailey (10.11) followed. Aleec Harris equalled his world lead in the 110mH, running 13.16 (1.0) to ward off the challenge of Jeff Porter (13.36). Caterine Ibarguen showed she is in great shape again, winning the triple in a world lead of 14.87 (0.3). Bershawn Jackson was just 0.03 behind the current world lead, clocking 48.47 to win the 400mH over Leford Green (49.22). World champion Jehue Gordon finished 6th in 49.97. Asian record holder Youssef Al-Masrahi (44.59) beat world champion Lashawn Merritt in the 400m. Merritt’s 44.80 was a good improvement on his season opener. Jamaican talent Javon Francis set a new best of 44.90 for third, with Jonathan Borlee (45.06) and Isaac Makwaala (45.10) next home. Luguelin Santos trailed in 45.89; he won here last year in 44.82. USA dominated the men’s shot, Christian Cantwell (21.08) went over 21m for the 126th time to defend his title and beat Cory Martin (20.74) and Ryan Whiting (20.54). O’Dayne Richards (20.48) was top Jamaican. World 100m leader Elaine Thompson ran 10.97 (0.2), her second fastest ever, to beat Blessing Okagbare (11.05) and Allyson Felix (11.09). World 800m leader Ajee’ Wilson topped the 800m field with 2:00.65 over Molly Ludlow (2:01:09). Kori Carter ran 55.12 to win the 400mH for the second year in a row. Behind her was Janeive Russell (55.29) and Tiffany Williams (55.35). Nickel Ashmeade clocked 20.25 (0.7) to win the 200m narrowly over Rasheed Dwyer (20.28) and Canada’s Aaron Browne (20.30). Vikas Gowda won the discus in a good 65.14. Brad Walker was best in the pole vault, clearing 560. In the 3000m, Juan Luis Barrios ran 7:59.92 to win. #jamainvite,
(Editor’s note: a fantastic meet with some amazing performances! Asafa is surely running well once again, and I believe he will be first man over 100 sub ten second hundred meter races! Sanya Richards-Ross was superb, as well as that women’s 200 meters? Wow! )
