Shericka Jackson of Jamaica progressed to the semi-finals of

the women’s 400 metres at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar on Monday as

she finished second in Heat Two of the preliminary rounds.

Jackson, running in lane eight, ran a brisk first 200 metres

to establish a lead on her rivals as she quickly made up the stagger that Emily

Diamond of Great Britain had on her in lane nine.

Jackson eased in the next 100 metres and entered the

straight among the leaders. Although being passed by Wadeline Jonathas of the United States of America, when challenged she stepped up the tempo to establish

a good lead over her other rivals, before easing down again. She did enough to

secure qualification.

Jackson, who missed the athletics season last year because

of injury, clocked 51.13 seconds with Jonathas winning in 50.57 as Bendere

Oboya of Australia finished third to claim the third automatic spot to advance

to the semi-finals from the heat. Oboya did a personal best of 51.21 seconds.