KINGSTON, Jamaica — Triple jumper Kimberly Williams led several Jamaicans who qualified for the next round in their events on the opening morning of the IAAF World Indoor championships in Sopot, Poland this morning.

Williams, a medal favourite, posted a season’s best 14.35m on her only attempt in the qualifying round to lead Group A qualifying going into Saturday’s final at the Ergo Arena.

Only one other jumper, Ukraine’s Olga Saladukha managed the automatic 14.30m distance on their first attempt. 

Meanwhile all four 400m runners also qualified for this afternoon’s semi-finals; relay silver medallist Edinho Steel and Akheem Gauntlett were automatic qualifiers after placing second in their respective first round heat. 

Steele ran 46.38 seconds to place behind Trinidad’s Lalonde Gordon while Gauntlett ran 46.85 seconds behind American Kyle Clemons.

Kaliese Spencer won her heat in 52.26 seconds while Patricia Hall was third in her heat in 52.19 seconds and qualified as one of the fastest losers.

Despite running a personal best 2:01.89 seconds, Natoya Goule just missed out on advancing to the finals in the women’s 800m, after placing third in  her heat with the seventh fastest time overall.

Shot putter O’Dayne Richards also failed to make progress after a best throw of 19.77m for 14th overall.

Later today in the afternoon session, Nesta Carter and Kimmari Roach will contest the heats of the men’s 60m, Monique Morgan and Indira Spence will take part in the heats of the women’s 60m hurdles while Damar Forbes will line up in the men’s long jump qualifying.