By Glen Andrew, World-Track
LONDON — Jamaica’s Yohan Blake and Antigua’s Daniel Bailey won the first round of the men’s 100 metres heats at the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace on a very windy Friday evening.
After getting off to a sluggish start, Blake turned on the heat to win the race in 10.18 seconds over American Ivory Williams, who also clocked 10.18. Jamaican Asafa Powell, who eased down in the last 40m was third in 10.19.
Running in a strong -2.9m/s headwind in the second heat, Bailey posted 10.26 to win over a well relax Usain Bolt (10.31) and Simeon Williamson (10.33).
The final of the event is set for later tonight.
Olympic champion and world record holder Dayron Robles also eased through the qualifying stages of the men’s 110m hurdles with 13.68 from his heat.
Meanwhile, the women’s 200 m race went to the Bahamian world-leader Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, who stopped the clock at 23.11.
