Russell gunning for record

After cruising to a comfortable win in the 400m hurdles at the Jamaica International Invitational Meet on Saturday at the National Stadium, Commonwealth Games champion Janieve Russell says that she will be going after the national record later this season.

Russell won easily in a time of 54.23, three seconds slower than the meet record done by Lashinda Demus in 2006.

Russell, who registered her personal best of 53.78 seconds a week ago at the Shanghai Diamond League meet, says that if she corrects her technique over the final hurdle, she can erase Melaine Walker's mark of 52.42

"The objective is to run under 53 seconds. I want to get the national record. I am going after it this year. If I don't get it this year then definitely, next year," Russell said.

Ashley Spencer of the USA finished a distant second in 55.23 seconds, while Leah Nugent secured third spot with 55.32 seconds.

BAD START

American sprint hurdler, Jasmin Stowers recovered from a bad start to win the 100m hurdles.

Stowers, who has the meet record at 12.39, a time she did at the 2015 staging, stopped the clock at 12.83 seconds.

Her country women, Kori Carter and Kristi Castlin, finished second and third respectively, in times of 12.87 and 13.09.

Though she was pleased with the victory, Stowers expressed disappointment with her performance.

"I had a bad start, but I knew if I held it together and quickened my steps between the hurdlers, I would be able to come out with the victory," Stowers said.

Shimayra Williams was the best-placed Jamaican in the race as she finished fourth in a time of 13.14 seconds.

Her training partner, Megan Simmonds, finished seventh in 13.34 seconds.

"I don't know what happened," Simmonds said after the race. "I just have to go back to training and work hard and hope for better results."

DeAnna Price of the USA threw a world-leading mark of 76.27 metres in the women's hammer throw. The distance is the second-longest throw in the event for her country.