DOHA, Qatar — A weary Elaine Thompson yesterday led all three Jamaicans into the semi-final of the women’s 200 metres.

Thompson, who was fourth in the 100m on Sunday night, was second in heat three in 22.61 seconds. American Brittany Brown won in 22.33, while third went to Lisa Marie Kwayie of Germany in 22.77.

Thompson, who has a personal best of 21.66 and a season’s best of 22.00, was never in control of the race and running from lane five. She came off the bend in third before slowly easing past Kwayie for second.

The Olympic champion spent hours with the doping control team after the 100m final.

“I am pleased, but I don’t think I got enough sleep last night. I left doping control 3:30 and my eyes are still tired. So to go out there and advance to the semifinals I am pleased,” noted Thompson.

“After the disappointment I have to just move on so I have to just use this and build back my motivation,” she pointed out.

Having mentioned that her recurring Achilles problem made life a little uncomfortable leading up to the 100m final, she said: “I am fit but I just need some more rest, my eyes are still tired I haven’t got enough sleep but I am good”.

Shashalee Forbes, who was first in action in heat one of the 200m, was third in 23.15 second. Anthonique Strachan of The Bahamas won in 22.86 ahead of Kamara Durant of Trinidad and Tobago with 23.08.

Forbes, the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games champion, was pleased with her progression despite feeling a bit rusty.

“It could have been better but I am glad I am off to the next round, that was my aim so I am happy,” said Forbes.

The 100m University Games champion said the humid conditions made it difficult to perform but praised the Jamaican management team saying, “I wish I was home, this is too much heat but it was worse when we just came; it’s not so bad now but it’s real hot,” she explained.

“I just have to get back to the drawing board, get some ice bath and come back for it tomorrow,” said Forbes.

“I came here as a reserve, so I am glad I get the chance to run and I just have to make it to the finals and take it from there,” she added.

While Thompson and Forbes advanced, Schillonie Calvert-Powell was not so lucky as she struggled to seventh in heat six in 23.52. Angelerne Annelus of the USA won in 22.56 ahead of Carolle Zahl of France who stopped the clock at 22.99.

Calvert-Powell could not really put her finger on what went wrong. She refused to blame the conditions, and suggested that she was not race sharp.

“I felt good in the warm-up and everything, came out to execute but when I came off the bend, my legs just felt dead and flat, I guess because it’s the lack of race I am not sure but I am super disappointed”.

The 31-year-old Calvert-Powell who has battled injuries over the last few years, contemplated quitting the sport.

“I had all planned to stop, give up because injuries, over injuries and each time I see progress in practice, it’s like I am getting hurt. So this year was like a step in the right direction,” she added.

“This is a booster for me because I came out and finished the season healthy, even though I had some mishaps but hopefully I can do much better next year,” she added.

—Howard Walker