Jamaica enjoyed a positive opening day at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, and is well positioned for medals on day two with strong representation in the men’s and women’s 100 metres and the women’s discus.

Samantha Hall gave Jamaica a bright start to the championships, advancing to the women’s discus final after producing a throw of 63.32 metres. She was the first Jamaican athlete in action and secured her place among the world’s best with a confident performance.

The mixed 4x400m relay team of Jevaughn Powell, Dejanae Oakley, Zandrion Barnes, and Leah Anderson, however, missed out on the final. They placed eighth in their heat, clocking 3:13.96 minutes.

On the track, Jamaica’s sprinters made smooth progress in the 100 metres.

• Tina Clayton (11.01s) looked sharp in taking Heat 1 ahead of Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith (11.07s).
• Shericka Jackson (11.04s) secured second in Heat 3 behind defending champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who ran a season’s best 11.03s.
• Olympic champion Julian Alfred of St. Lucia was the fastest qualifier overall with 10.93s, while Jamaican icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (11.09s) advanced after finishing second in Heat 7 behind Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith of Ivory Coast (11.05s).

Also advancing to the semifinals were world leader Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States (10.99s) and Britain’s Daryll Neita, who impressed with a season-best 10.94s.

In the men’s 100m, three Jamaicans booked their spots in the next round:

• Oblique Seville (9.93s) battled back from a slow start to finish third in Heat 1, won by South Africa’s Gift Leotlela in a personal best 9.87s.
• Kishane Thompson cruised to victory in Heat 2 with 9.95s, showing excellent control.
• Ackeem Blake advanced from Heat 3 after clocking 10.07s, finishing behind defending champion Noah Lyles of the United States (9.95s).

Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medalist Megan Tapper will not compete in the women’s 100m hurdles. Jamaica’s hopes in the event now rest with defending champion Danielle Williams (Heat 2), rising star Ackera Nugent (Heat 4), and Amoi Brown (Heat 5).