Yohan Blake leads 100m qualifiers, Bolt, Powell in also

KINGSTON, Jamaica (Sporting Alert) — World champion Yohan Blake leads the list of high-profiled sprinters heading into the semi-finals of the men’s 100 metres dash at the Jamaica National Championships on Thursday.

Blake posted 10.00 seconds to win his heat over young star Kemar Bailey-Cole, who ran 10.12 secs for second and former national champion Oshane Bailey, who took third in 10.26.

World record holder Usain Bolt was also in cruise control as he won his opening heat in 10.06, beating Jacques Harvey (10.15), Mario Forsythe (10.18) and Kimmari Roach (10.22).

Michael Frater was third fastest and he won heat four in 10.09, defeating Commonwealth Games champion Lerone Clarke (10.15).

Former world record holder Asafa Powell and World Indoor silver medallist Nesta Carter both ran 10.19 in their matchup in the heat.

Also making it through were Dexter Lee (10.24) and Rasheed Dwyer (10.28).

Dane Hyatt, meanwhile was the quickest over the 400m heats with a time of 45.70, which he used to take heat five.

Errol Nolan (45.76) and Javere Bell (45.81) were the others below the 46 barrier in the preliminaries.

World championships finallist Jermaine Gonzales, Ricardo Chambers, Akheem Gauntlett, Oral Thompson and Edino Steele also booked their places.

On the women’s side, Novlene Williams-Mills (52.18), Shericka Williams (52.13) and Rosemarie Whyte (51.80) all moved into the semis.

Christine Day ran the fastest time at 51.50, while Domonique Blake, 51.94 also broke 52 seconds.