Williams sisters, Bliss progress to women’s sprint hurdles semis
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Sally Pearson signalled a return to form Friday morning winning Heat 2 of the women’s sprint hurdle in a season’s best 12.62. Cindy Billaud of France (12.71) was second. Jamaica’s Andrea Bliss finished sixth in 13.20 seconds.
All three of Jamaica’s representatives, sisters Danielle and Shermaine Williams and Bliss (on time) progressed to the semi final scheduled for 9:20 am (Jamaica time) Saturday, Day 7.
Meanwhile former Commonwealth champion Angela Whyte of Canada (12.93) won the first heat with Italian Mazia Caravella (13.07) second and Nadine Hildenbran (13.16) third. Nia Ali of the US was fourth in 13.19 .
American Queen Harrison (12.95) took Heat 3 ahead of Alia Talay of Belarus (12.99) with Jamaica’ s Danielle Williams (13.11) third. Jessica Jelinka of Canada (13.15) also qualified from this heat.
Heat 4 went to Tiffany Porter of Great Britain (12.72) with Russian Yuliya Kondakova (12.76) edging top seeded Dawn Harper (12.84) at the line for second. Reina-flor Okori of France was fourth in 13.01.
Shermaine Williams, Danielle’s elder sister finishing third advanced from heat 5 won by Brianna Rollins of the US in 12.55 from Lavonne Idlett of Dominican Republic (13.06).
The top four athletes progress from each heat along with the four fastest losers.