Jamaica finishes Athletics World Cup fourth

Jamaica had three victories on yesterday's final day of competition at the Athletics World Cup in London, England, as Shericka Jackson, Shanieka Ricketts and Tyquendo Tracey won their respective events.

Jamaica, with 153 points, ended fourth overall, as the United States, on 219 points, walked away with the Global Platinum Trophy for topping the overall standing.

Jackson, who has been consistent on the IAAF Diamond League circuit in the 200m this season, continued her good form yesterday, after a late burst. The United States' Jenna Prandini went out the fastest out of lane six, to have a commanding lead for majority of the race. However, Jackson, who was a bit off the pace, rallied strongly over the final 20m to get by her opponent for the win in 22.35 seconds. Prandini finished second in 22.45 seconds, with Beth Dobbin of Great Britain taking third in 22.95 seconds.

GRATEFUL

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ricketts used her third and final attempt to win the Women's triple jump in a career best of 14.61m. She edged Keturah Orji, of the United States, second with 14.60m. Third went to Anna Michalka Jagaciak of Poland with 14.08m. Ricketts was pleased with her win and new personal best. "I am very happy. I have been trying to get a personal best since 2016, so to get it here on the big stage, I am very grateful," she said.

National Senior 100m male champion, Tracey, produced a personal best of 10.03 seconds to win the Men's 100m in a close finish over the United States' Kendall Williams, 10.05 seconds, and South Africa's Simon Magakwe, 10.11 seconds, who finished second and third respectively. "It was a good race .There were a few flaws in the race, but we will work on that when I get back home to the track. It was a good win nonetheless," said Tracey about his success.

Jeanine Williams, 12.95 seconds was second in the Women's 100m hurdles, while it was third for Ramone Bailey in the Men's long jump, in a season's best 8.13m.

Making a return to the National Senior team in the relays, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce gave the team a good start in the Women's 4x100m, giving the baton to Jackson on the second leg in a good position. However, a fumble on the final exchange between Jonielle Smith and Tissana Hickling caused the team to lose ground. Despite a late charge from Hickling, they had to settle for second in 42.60 seconds, just behind winners Great Britain, 42.52 seconds, and China, third in 42.94 seconds.