ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce established a new 100 metres record on her way to victory at the Grenada Invitational here on Saturday.
Fraser-Pryce, the double Olympic 100m champion, clocked 11.20 seconds to comfortably finish ahead of compatriot Jonelle Smith who was timed at 11.35s and American Aaliyah Brown, who finished third in 10.46 seconds, the same time as Jamaica’s Gayon Evans who placed fourth.
The most anticipated event of the night, the men’s 200 metres, did not live up to expectations with favourites Akeem Bloomfield and American Olympic champion Justin Gatlin both pulling up hurt.
In their absence, Great Britain’s Miguel Francis won the race in a world-leading time of 20.16s.
Canadian star Andre Degrasse was second in 20.20s, with Kyle Greaux of Trinidad and Tobago third in 20.51s.
Jamaica’s Asafa Powell was noticeably absent from the men’s 100m A race, which was dominated by international athletes.
Adam Gemili of Great Britain won gold in 10.10s, while Canada’s Aaron Brown was second in 10.13s and Christopher Belcher of the USA third in 10.14s.
Nesta Carter was the highest finishing Jamaican, placing fifth in 10.26s. His teammates Nigel Ellis (10.31s) in sixth, Tyquendo Tracey in seventh with 10.32s and Julian Forte eighth in 10.35s, rounded out the field.
Jamaica’s 2014 Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles champion Andrew Riley won the opening event in a meet record of 13.49s, ahead of Gregmar Swift of Barbados in 13.66s. Jamaica’s World Under-20 silver medallist Orlando Bennett, formerly of Calabar High, was third in 13.96s.
