Three Fijian sprinters have qualified for the semifinals of the 100metres at the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.

Tony Vamarasi Lemeki clocked a time of 10.82seconds, faster than national record holder, Banuve Tabakaucoro’s 10.87

Both runners are in Heat 2 of the semifinals.

The fastest time yesterday was by Kelvin Masoe of Samoa who clocked 10.70s.

He is expected to dominate Heat 1 of the semifinal alongside fellow Samoan Jeremy Dodson 10.90.

Albert Miller Junior ran a time of 11.25m to also qualify.

Former sprinter and assistant athletics coach Jone Delai has put his money on Tabakaucoro to win even though Dodson is the Pacific Games favourite.

“Banuve’s starting today was really good. Dodson only came out strong in the first 30metres.

“But for me, Tabakaucoro looked sharp.”

Tabakaucoro holds the Pacific Games record of 10.33 which was set in Wallis and Futuna in 2013.

In the women’s 100m, Younis Bese is expected to win Heat 1 while Heleina Young will be up against defending champion Wisil Toea in Heat 2.

Makereta Mudu is in Heat 3 alongside Leonie Beu of Papua New Guinea and Lyza Malres of Vanuatu.

Edited by Osea Bola

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