Pinnock fifth in long jump at NCAA

World Championships long jump silver medallist Wayne Pinnock and Courtney Lawrence were the best Jamaican finishers on Wednesday's opening day of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division 1 Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Both ended fifth in their respective events. Pinnock, competing for the University of Arkansas, had a best of 7.98 metres in the final. Chrstyn John Stevenson of the University of South Carolina, eighth going into the final round, used his final attempt to record a personal best of 8.22m for the win. Nikaoli Williams of Oklahoma State University finished eighth with 7.76m.

Competing for Clemson University, Lawrence produced a personal best of 19.92m in the men's shot put final. Tarik O'Hogan of the University of Mississippi won with a personal and collegiate lead of 20.88m.

Following action on the track, three Jamaicans will be involved in finals on today's second and final day of competition for the men.

Leading the way is Tarees Rhoden, a senior at Clemson University. Rhoden was the second best qualifier in the men's 800m after finishing second in his heat in 1:46.18. He will be joined by Kimar Farquharson. Competing for Texas A&M University in the same heat, Farquharson finished third in 1:46.32 to be the third fastest qualifier. His teammate, Sam Whitemarsh, won the heat in 1:46.01 to be the fastest qualifier.

Sprint hurdler Jerome Campbell was the only Jamaican qualifier for the men's 110m hurdles final. Campbell finished fourth in his heat in 13.44 to be the seventh fastest going into today's final.

Six other Jamaicans will be involved in field events on today's final day of action for the men.

Defending high jump champion Romaine Beckford, who won the title at South Florida University last year, will compete for the University of Arkansas, where he is the joint top seed, with 2.23m.