Shericka Jackson makes strong outdoor start

Shericka Jackson and Nickisha Pryce delivered impressive victories in their respective events for Jamaica at the opening Wanda Diamond League meet in Shaoxing.

Jackson made a strong outdoor season debut by winning the women’s 200 metres as she crossed the finish line in 22.07 seconds, tying for the fourth-fastest time in the world this year. She finished ahead of Bahamian Olympic and World champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who clocked 22.26 seconds, while American Anavia Battle finished third in 22.40 seconds.

Pryce, Jamaica’s national champion, produced a powerful late surge in the women’s 400 metres to edge American Aaliyah Butler in the final 50 metres, winning in 49.75 seconds, the third-fastest time globally this season. Butler finished just behind in 49.78, while Cuba’s Roxana Gómez placed third in 50.24.

Jamaica’s Stacey-Ann Williams was fourth in 50.59, with Barbados’ Sada Williams close behind in fifth in 50.60 seconds.

In the women’s 100m hurdles, Bahamian hurdler Devynne Charlton finished second in 12.38 seconds behind American Masai Russell, who won in 12.25. Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan claimed third in 12.41 seconds.

Jamaicans Megan Simmonds (12.73) and Ackera Nugent (12.98) finished fourth and sixth respectively.

In the men’s 110m hurdles, Jamaican World Championship silver medallist Orlando Bennett placed fourth with a season’s best 13.20 seconds.