KINGSTON: Hometown hero Elaine Thompson put on an impressive show against a strong field and Canada’s Andre De Grasse won his first race on Jamaican soil at the 14th Jamaica International Invitational meeting on Saturday.

Thompson clocked 22.09 seconds in the women’s 200 metres to equal the 2017 world leading time, while Rio Games silver medallist De Grasse dominated the final 50 metres to take the men’s 200m in 20.14 at the National Stadium.

But on a night when veteran Yohan Blake also stormed to a 9.93 seconds in the men’s 100m, Thompson shone the brightest.

Thompson, the fifth fastest woman over the distance with 21.66, took control of the race coming off the bend, created some separation, then cruised to the finish line ahead of Shericka Jackson and American Shalonda Solomon.

Americans Tori Bowie and Deajah Stevens have also both clocked 22.09 this year.

De Grasse, 22, made his first race on Jamaican soil a winning one. The field managed to stay within reach until the Canuck turbo-charged his way past American LaShawn Merritt, who finished in second place in 20.28 seconds. Great Britain’s Jamaican-based sprinter Zarnel Hughes was third in 20.29 seconds.

Blake, the 2011 World Championships gold medallist who has battled injuries over the last few seasons, delivered a superb performance in the 100m, dipping under 10.00 seconds for the first time since 2012.

He took control of the race after 40 metres and pulled away from the American pair of Ronnie Baker, who took second in 9.98 and Mike Rodgers, who clocked 10.02.

American Morolake Akinosun won the women’s 100m in a photo finish ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Michelle Lee-Ahye. Both were credited with a time of 11.06. Allyson Felix was third in a season best 11.07.

Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands also logged a world leading time of 47.80 to win the men’s 400m hurdles.

World and Olympic champion Caterine Ibarguen, of Colombia, retained her triple jump title with a jump of 14.43m.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2017