Walter Dix (lane 2) takes the US 100m title ahead of Justin Gatlin (5) and Michael Rodgers (3) (© Getty Images)
12 July 2011Ottawa, Canada – With Sunday's Aileen Meagher International Track Classic in the books, only one competition remains in the inaugural 2011 National Track League (NTL) series. The Toronto International Track + Field Games & NTL Finale is set for this Wednesday 13 July 13 at University of Toronto’s Varsity Centre, with an action packed finale dripping with drama as points are doubled in the hotly contested NTL standings.
Men's Standings -
It’s a two horse race between Justyn Warner of Markham, Ont., and Bryan Barnett of Edmonton, Alta., in the 100m. Warner sits atop the standings with 24 points to Barnett’s 12, however with 16 points on the line for the winner this NTL trophy race is far from over. Added into the mix are Americans Walter Dix and Lerone Clarke of Jamaica who will both do their best to ensure the clock is stopped before the ten second mark.
The 200m will come down to one of four men after Jared Connaughton of New Haven, Prince Edward Island, won in Halifax on Sunday. Barnett and Warner will have a role to play in determining the NTL champion in the 200 as will Dontae Richards-Kwok of Mississauga, Ont. Only two points in the standings separate the four men.
The 1500m will be decided by Kyle Boorsma from Guelph (11 points), Anthony Berkis of Oshawa (8 points), and Peter Corrigan of Kamloops (8 points). Corrigan was the top Canadian finisher in Halifax (3rd overall), Boorsma was third (4th overall) at Harry Jerome and in Halifax finished as the second fastest Canadian (4th overall).
The NTL High Jump trophy will be determined by two men, Canadians Mark Dillon and Derek Watkins who are tied in first place with 14 points apiece.
The Javelin Throw is one of the most hotly contested disciplines with three men still in the NTL trophy race.
Scott Russell leads the way with 22 points just ahead of Kyle Nielsen (16 points) and Caleb Jones who is in third with 14 points.
Women's Standings –
Phylicia George not only set a new personal best of 12.76 in her Halifax win, she also extended her lead in the 100m Hurdles setting herself up nicely for Wednesday’s finale. George is in first place with 20 points ahead of Nikkita Holder who is in second with 11 points. Angela Whyte is in third with 10 points while former World champion Perdita Felicien sits in fourth with 8 points. A win by Felicien Wednesday would earn her 16 points and make the final standings very interesting.
Four women are within five points of each other in the 400m. Adrienne Power leads with 16 points, ahead of Esther Akinsulie and Ese Omene who both are at 14 points. In fourth place is Amonn Nelson at 11 points. This one is too close to call, their race on Wednesday evening will determine who takes the top prize home.
Lemlem Ogbasilassie is the current leader in the 800m with 14 points, just two points ahead of Karine Belleau-Beliveau. Melissa Bishop is not out of the picture with nine points and with a strong showing in the finale could easily come from behind to take the NTL title in this event.
Krysha Bayley has a ten point lead over Ruky Abdulai of Coquitlam, B.C., in the Long Jump. Alice Falaiye is at five points but with 16 points on the line for the winner in Wednesday’s finale all scenarios are still possible.
Crystal Smith is in first place in the hammer throw having earned 17 points. Hot on her heels are Sultana Frizell (16 points), Megann Rodhe, and Heather Steacy who both have 14 points. Frizell is undefeated in NTL competition; another win on Wednesday would assure her the NTL hammer throw trophy.
Mathieu Gentès (Athletics Canada) for the IAAF
