KINGSTON, Jamaica — An exciting and highly competitive boys’ Under-20 400m final is shaping up for Sunday after impressive performances in Friday’s semi-finals on day two of the JAAA National Championships at the National Stadium.

The top two finishers in Sunday’s final are expected to be selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon in early August. The next four athletes should be part of the 4x400m relay pool.

Kingston College’s ISSA Champs and Carifta Games gold medallist Jason Pitter topped the qualifiers with a composed and controlled performance, winning his semi-final in 47.05 seconds.

Excelsior High’s Jaeden Campbell also looked impressive, taking his heat in 47.53 seconds, while William Knibb Memorial’s Jabari Matheson cruised to victory in his semi-final in 47.85 seconds. Another Kingston College athlete, Jabulani McLeod, secured his place in the final with a time of 48.58 seconds.

Also advancing to Sunday’s showdown were Titchfield High’s Nishawn Walker (47.60), Clarendon College’s Jelani Monteith (47.95), William Knibb Memorial’s Joshua Wint (48.03), and STETHS’ John Mark Campbell (48.44).

In the boys’ Under-18 category, Kingston College’s Jordan Rehedul led the qualifiers with 48.32 seconds. Rusea’s High’s Tiene Barrett followed with 48.54, while Munro College’s Jheon Salmon clocked 49.13 and Lacovia High’s Nicholas Jones qualified in 49.29 seconds.

— Paul A Reid