BEIJING, China – Jamaica’s Danielle Williams produced a season’s best effort to claim gold in the women’s 100 meter hurdles, while compatriot Shericka Jackson had to settle for silver in the 200 meters on the opening day of the Xiamen Diamond League here at the Xiamen Egret Stadium on Saturday.
Danielle Williams on her way to victory in the women’s 100 meter hurdles at the Xiamen Diamond League in ChinaThe 32-year-old Williams overtook American Grace Stark on the final hurdle to cross the finish line in 12.53 seconds. Stark took silver in 12.58 seconds with Marione Fourie of South Africa third in 12.62 seconds and world record holder, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, who placed fourth in 12.74 seconds.
The win was Williams’ first on the Diamond League circuit since capturing gold in Budapest last year.
“The focus was on the last half of the race, trying to finish strong. I think I did that, so I am satisfied,” Williams said after the race.
“Back to training and then Shanghai next weekend. It is early in April, and the season is over in September, so we are not even halfway into the training cycle. It is definitely a good sign.”
Meanwhile, Jackson, the two-time world champion, finished second in 22.79 seconds, behind Anavia Battle of the United States, who won in a meet record and season’s best 22.41 seconds.
“I am happy that I finished this race healthily. I will have to check with my coach where I can do better next time,” Jackson said.
In other results, Grenada’s Olympic and World gold medalist Kirani James finished fourth in the men’s 400m in 44.89 seconds, while Rohan Watson of Jamaica clocked 10.31 seconds to place ninth in the men’s 100 meters.
