EUGENE, Oregon, CMC – Olympic champion Kirani James out-duelled American nemesis LaShawn Merritt in the 400 metres to headline several Caribbean wins at the Prefontaine Classic here Saturday.
The 23-year-old Grenadian, the fastest man in the event this year, stormed down the stretch to take victory in a time of 44.22 seconds, edging out Merritt in a tense battle in another Diamond League battle. Merritt clocked 44.39 to finish ahead of Botswana’s Isaac Makwala (45.37) while Trinidadian Machel Cedenio claimed fourth spot in 45.45.
Bahamian Steven Gardiner was seventh in 46.80, with Rusheen McDonald coming in last in 46.82. Running out of lane six, James was away sharply and cruised down the backstretch to lead at 200 metres. However, Merritt hit back through the curve and was in front at the top of the stretch.
James hit back strongly, pulling level with 50 metres to run before cresting the tape with ease. In the men’s sprint hurdles, Jamaican Omar McLeod continued his domination of the event this year, posting 13.06 to beat Americans David Oliver (13.38) and Jeff Porter (13.48) into second and third respectively.
American Aries Merritt, the reigning Olympic champion, clocked 13.51 to be fourth while Jamaican Hansle Parchment trailed in the last in 13.58. Former World Junior and World Youth 400 metres champion, Bahamian Shaunae Miller, was also in winners’ row, clocking 50.15 seconds to win the event. She was ahead of Americans Francena McCorory (50.23) and Natasha Hastings (50.86) finished second and third respectively, while the Jamaican pair of Stephenie Ann McPherson (51.07) and Shericka Jackson (51.34) trailed in fourth and fifth.
However, there was massive disappointment for reigning World and Olympic 100m champion, Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who finished last in 11.18. Her start was a weak one and she never recovered, and American English Gardner capitalised to storm to 10.81 seconds to win the event ahead of compatriot Tianna Bartoletta who finished second in 10.94 seconds.
Jamaican Simone Facey clocked 11.09 to be third. In the men’s equivalent, Jamaican Asafa Powell produced a late burst of speed but failed to catch American Justin Gatlin who took the tape first in 9.88. Powell was timed at 9.94 while former World champion Tyson Gay clocked 9.98 to be third. Meanwhile, St Lucian Levern Spencer extended her good form this year, measuring 1.92 metres to clinch second in the women’s high jump behind winner, American Chaunte Lowe with 1.95.