KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Two-time Olympic 100 metres sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce clocked the second fastest time this year in the 200 metres, to snatch victory at Saturday’s Jamaica Invitational meet here.
The gutsy 26-year-old Jamaican posted an impressive 22.38 seconds – her fifth fastest time ever in the half-lap – to force compatriot Kerron Stewart into second spot with 22.71 seconds.
Sherone Simpson, also of Jamaica, was third in 22.83.
Meanwhile, reigning 200m World champion Veronica Campbell-Brown beat American archrival Allyson Felix in the 100 metres, to also leave her mark on the weekend.
She emerged from a slow start to produce a sharp finish, crossing the line in 11.01 seconds. Felix, the Olympic 200m champion, trailed in a disappointing fifth in 11.13.
“I am pleased with the time I ran tonight after a shaky start,” said Campbell-Brown.
“I need to be a little more alert because I felt I was sleeping somewhat [in the blocks], but it’s my first 100m, and I’m glad I got it out of the way.”
World Championships 100m bronze medallist Kelly-Ann Baptiste of Trinidad and Tobago was second in 11.06 seconds.
Former World champion American Tyson Gay sent a strong warning to his rivals ahead of the new season, storming to a world-leading 9.86 seconds in the 100 metres.
Jamaican Nesta Carter ran second in 10.03 while American Darvis Patton was third in 10.07.
In the 200 metres, rising Jamaican star Nickel Ashmeade posted a world-leading 20 seconds, to beat his countryman and London 2012 Olympics bronze medallist Warren Weir, who was second in 20.14.
