Kai Kelly tops boys under-18 100m semifinal at JAAA/PUMA national championships

Kai Kelly of Jamaica College confirmed his status as the standout name in the boys under-18 100 metres when he took the first semifinal on Day 2 of the JAAA/PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships, stopping the clock at 10.65 seconds.

Kelly, this year's Class Two 100m champion at Boys' and Girls' Championships in his first year at that level, lined up in lane six alongside a strong field. Devoney Jones of Racers opened from lane one with a qualifying mark of 11.42, while Nathan Bryan of St George's, Byron Walker of Hydel, Anthony Rochester of Titchfield, Tarique Bennett, Michael Graham of Excelsior and Jevaughney Griffiths of St Jago completed the eight-man lineup.

Walker made the sharpest start and Graham looked well placed early, but Kelly moved through the drive phase, pulled clear in the closing stages and eased before the line. Graham finished second in 10.75, with Walker third in 10.81. Rochester crossed in 10.84 and awaited confirmation of a non-automatic qualifying spot among the next two fastest semifinal times.

Bennett, Bryan, Griffiths and Jones filled out the rest of the heat. Kelly had run 10.85 in an earlier round and carries a 10.28 personal best this season. Graham, last year's Class Two 100m champion now competing in Class One, and Rochester, who posted 10.97 in the heats, remain central contenders for the final scheduled later in the evening.

Officials recorded negative wind readings, with several marks coming in faster than those seen on the opening day.

Earlier, Malia Duncan, unattached, posted the quickest girls under-18 semifinal time at 11.96 and was the only athlete under 12 seconds. Azaria Harris of Convent of Mercy ran 12.19, Danielle Clark 12.20, Shishalee Sutherland of Clarendon College 12.25 and teammate Taneisha Moulton 12.29. Shadean Jarrett of William Knibb finished in 12.31, while Shady Allen of Holmwood Technical and Venesha Patterson of Mount Alvernia both clocked 12.33 to complete the eight finalists.