Laverne Jones-Ferrette delivered another stunning world-leading performance at the 24th Sparkassen-Cup to highlight the meeting in Stuttgart on Saturday.
The US Virgin Islands sprint ace clocked a flashing world-leading 6.97seconds to win the women’s 60m dash and became the first woman to run under the 7.00seconds barrier in over a decade. Jones-Ferrette, who twice produced 7.09secs earlier this year, heaved off a huge chunk off her own world best and national record on Saturday.
Trailing the Caribbean star to the finishing line for the second time this season was American star Carmelita Jeter who finished in a personal best of 7.05, while France’s Miryam Soumaré took third in 7.19.
Jones-Ferrette said after the race: “I always felt with my form I could run faster, but to run under seven seconds I never ever thought about that – it is a big surprise.”
Bahamian Chandra Sturrup was disqualified after a false start.
Jamaica’s Lerone Clarke won the men’s race in 6.57secs – narrowly beating Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles who also posted a personal and national record of 6.58. Egwero Oghoogheneonano of Nigeria was third in 6.62.
Meanwhile, Cuba’s Dayron Robles proved that he has recovered fully from his injury problem by winning the men’s 60m hurdles over a quick closing David Oliver of the United States. Robles stopped the clock in a world-leading 7.48, with Oliver a step behind in 7.49. Jamaican Dwight Thomas took third in 7.64.
The women’s race saw Jamaica’s Vonette Dixon finishing fourth in 8.04secs – distance behind Canadian Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, who sped home in a 7.82 world-best and personal record.
Following her to the line was this season’s previous world-leader and reigning world indoor champion Lolo Jones (7.97).
By Gary Smith, World-Track
