Doha, Qatar — Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce sped to an effortless 10.80 seconds (-0.2 mps) and threw down the gauntlet in the 100m and was quickest into the semi-finals set for later today.

She was joined by Elaine Thompson and Jonelle Smith, who also advanced from their heats yesterday.

Fraser-Pryce, sporting bright yellow hair, didn’t have her customary bullet start but was quickly into the lead, and with the utmost of ease, cruised home to an eye-popping display which had the stadium buzzing when the clock stopped at 10.81 then adjusted to 10.80.

Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast was a distant second in a season’s best of 11.05, and Germany’s improving Gina Luckenkemper was third in 11.29.

Fraser-Pryce, who is hunting her fourth World Championships gold, enters the semi-finals with the fastest time and was pleased.

“I think it was a good run. It’s my first (major) championships in two years, so I am really excited to be able to come back, and for me it’s just a round at a time and trying to execute as best as possible, because technique is not my best thing. So I have to try and get it right each round, so I am really excited to be able to progress,” said Fraser-Pryce.

When asked about the colour of her hair and what it represents, she laughed out loud and replied: “The hair is for sunshine; it’s a wonderful feeling to be here in Doha, and Jamaica is hot, Doha is hot so why not bring my added sunshine.”

Fraser-Pryce, who ran one of the fastest first rounds ever, laughed when asked if she is in 10.6 shape and played down the significance of her dazzling performance.

“As I say, it’s good to be back, it’s good to be able to progress to the next round. They are all talented women who are lining up to compete and to be able to do so again is a blessing, and I cannot thank God enough for how far I have come and the things that I am doing,” she said.

Thompson, the reigning Olympic 100 and 200m champion, was not as impressive as Fraser-Pryce but, following a sluggish start, she eased to the front and won fairly easily in the end in 11.14 seconds (-0.4 mps).

Kelly-Ann Baptiste of Trinidad and Tobago was second in 11.21 with American Morolake Akinosun third with 11.23.

Thompson was pleased with her performance. “Today was good and the conditions are fine, I am satisfied. Today was faster than I usually am in the first round of competition, and I haven’t done a 100m in six weeks. So just looking forward to the next round,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s third entrant, Jonelle Smith, was ecstatic about qualifying to the second round after finishing third in 11.20 seconds. The race was won by Great Britain’s Dina Asher Smith in 9.96 seconds. American English Gardner was second in 11.20.

“I felt like I got a good start, but I need to work on my transition some more, but I did enough to make the semi-finals tomorrow (today),” said Smith.

“I am feeling pretty good to be here whether it’s the relay or the 100, so I am feeling pretty good. I am going out there to be a competitor to show up, and whatever place I get I will work with it,” said the former Wolmerian.

“This is the major championships for the season….everyone was training for Doha 2019, Trials didn’t go as I wanted to. I want an individual spot, but I got a fourth place and unfortunately stuff happen and I am here so I am just grateful for the opportunity,” Smith added.

— Howard Walker