Jessica Ennis-Hill in the heptathlon 100m hurdles at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (© Getty Images)
The cheers may not have been quite as loud and the weather may not have been quite so bright, but Jessica Ennis-Hill evoked memories of her Olympic victory from four years ago as she sped to the fastest clocking of the day in the heptathlon 100m hurdles.
The Briton lined up in the fourth and final heat of the opening event and won by a comfortable margin in 12.84, her second-fastest time ever at a major championships.
World indoor champion Brianne Theisen-Eaton was a little short of her best, finishing sixth in that heat in 13.18. But the Canadian will still be a strong contender throughout the two-day contest and will have six more opportunities to make up the deficit.
Akela Jones of Barbados finished second to Ennis in 13.00, her fastest ever time within a heptathlon. Nadine Visser of the Netherlands and USA’s Kendell Williams were next across the line in 13.02 and 13.04 respectively.
European champion Anouk Vetter finished just ahead of Katarina Johnson-Thompson in their heat with times of 13.47 and 13.48 respectively. Both are expected to challenge for a medal here.
So too is Latvia’s world bronze medallist Laura Ikauniece-Admidina, who recorded 13.33 to win her heat. Germany’s Carolin Schafer also impressed, clocking a PB of 13.12.
Estonia’s Grit Sadeiko wasn’t so fortunate, however, and failed to finish her heat after hitting a hurdle.
Jon Mulkeen for the IAAF
