Commonwealth Games 200 metres champion Jereem Richards got a confidence booster ahead of the Pan American Games track and field programme next week after he won the men's 200 metres title at the NGC/NAAAT Open Championships at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Sunday.
Richards used the opportunity to turn the tables on his club-mate Kyle Greaux, who defeated him to win the title at last year's event.
From the off Greaux was at the head of affairs with Richards breathing down his neck as Rondell Sorrillo drawn in lane eight tried to keep pace alongside Akanni Hislop.
Coming to the corner in the half-lap event Greaux still held sway but Richards put in another gear at the 80 metres mark and edged past his main rivals. They battle for another 20 metres before Richards just pulled away to stop the clock at 20.14 seconds to deny Greaux, who finished second in 20.18 seconds. Young Hislop took the bronze away from Rondell Sorrillo with his time of 20.68 seconds.
Michelle Lee Ahye of Rebirth did not face the starter in the final after cruising home in the semi-final of the Women’s 200 metres event. Ahye was unable to race in what was suspected as a precaution.
In the title run, it was Kamaria Durant of Simplex Athletic Club, who celebrated as champion after she clocked 22.96 seconds for the distance. Durant was third behind Ahye in the 100 metres event. Following her home in the half-lap run was the Point Fortin New Jets athlete Mauricia Prieto who secured the silver medal with her 23.09 clocking, while unattached athlete Semoy Hackett finished third. Her time was 23.32 seconds.
Alena Brooks of Memphis Pioneer Athletic Club won the Women's 800 metres event after she defeated Sade Sealy of Barbados in a time of 2:04.80. Sealy's silver medal run was 2:05.09 with Camile Lewis of Silver Bullets third in the time of 2:13.62.
Former World 400 metres champion Jehue Gordon of Memphis Pioneers was back to his winning ways when captured gold in men's 400 metres Hurdles event. Jehue won in the time of 51.08 seconds to beat club-mate Shinnosuke Hase, who registered the time of 51.57 seconds with George Christian of UWI was third in 53.54 seconds.
Cleopatra Borel of Rebirth was again in winner’s row in the women’s Shot Put event as she over-powered the talented Portious Warren into second place. Borel registered a distance of 7.96 metres in her second of six attempts and even despite fouling three of them in the process.
Warren threw the "iron ball" 16.71 metres. Youngster Ianna Roach of Memphis Pioneers was third with her throw of 12.94 metres.
Garvin Framer won the Master 100 metres title impressively when he clocked 11.94 seconds while holding off Alick Connors of Spartans (12.48) seconds and Patrick Scott of the T&T Defence Force who ended third in a time of 13.37 seconds.
Quincy Wilson of Health Olympians returned to winning ways in the Men's Discus. He threw 52.82 metres to be well clear of the UWI Fast Track challenger Keon Francis who threw 47.28 metres. The bronze medal was won by Clarenc Hannibal of Tobago Falcon with his throw of 44.85 metres.