A strong Jamaican women’s 4x100m team ran 41.96 seconds to lead the qualifiers for Sunday’s final at the Debswana World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.

The team of Shericka Jackson, Jodean Williams, Lavanya Williams and Jonielle Smith won their heat ahead of Germany, who were second in 42.44 seconds, and Portugal who ran a national record 43.11 seconds for third.

The result saw Jamaica qualify for the event at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship to be held in Budapest, Hungary in September and the World Athletics Championships Beijing next year.

Belgium, France and Nigeria were disqualified, but will be allowed to compete in the second qualifying round on Sunday.

-Paul A Reid