Scott, Thomas win National titles

Jordan Scott and Orlando Thomas captured the first two finals on yesterday's opening day of the JAAA/ Supreme Ventures Limited National Junior and Senior Championships at the National Stadium.

In a triple jump event dominated by collegiate athletes who recently competed at the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Scott, won his first National Senior title with a best of 16.55 metres. Odaine Lewis, the former Cornwall College jumper who had a second-place finish in Eugene was second with 16.44m while Clayton Brown, formerly of Jamaica College, was third with 16.19m. Defending champion Clive Pullen was fourth with 15.96m.

Impressive Performance

Orlando Thomas of the University of Technology continued his impressive performance at these championships in the men's javelin throw. He bagged his fourth National title after a throw of 69.27m. Elvis Graham of G.C. College, 66.56m and Zavan Richards of UWI (63.46m) were second and third, respectively.

Yesterday also saw the semi-final rounds of the women's and men's 400m hurdles where Janieve Russell and Andre Clarke were the respective fastest qualifiers for today's finals.

Russell, the Diamond League co-leader in the event, looked quite relaxed in winning the women's opening heat in 54.84 seconds. Rushell Clayton of Swept Track Club was second in a personal best 55.10 with Nikita Tracy of MVP third in 55.55.

Defending champion Rhonda Whyte of Sprintec took heat two in 55.04 ahead of Leah Nugent of Puma, 55.32. Hydel schoolgirl Shian Salmon was third in 56.57. Also advancing to the final were Ristananna Tracy, 55.55, and Danielle Dowie 56.56.

Fresh off his recent personal best of 48.29 seconds, overseas-based Andre Clarke won his semi-final in 48.46. Kemar Mowatt (48.96) and Annsert Whyte (49.05) were the next fastest qualifiers.

Shawn Rowe won heat two in 50.16 ahead of Romel Lewis (50.44) and Ricardo Cunningham (50.46).