Javon Francis

AFTER an excellent season a year ago where he single-handedly earned a silver medal for Jamaica in the 4x400 metres at the Moscow World Championships, Calabar High's Javon Francis is on target for his first senior 400m crown at this weekend's JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships.

Francis took Jamaica from fifth to second on the anchor leg in Moscow and his season best 45.00 seconds should be good enough to top his rivals.

Defending champion Javere Bell has been slowed down by injury this season and has not looked his usual self and will have to improve big time if he hopes to finish among the top three.

Rusheen McDonald, with a season best 45.29, has been the second fastest Jamaican in the event so far and could be the biggest threat to Francis, but will have to produce something special if he is to deny the talented athlete.

With the other Jamaicans struggling in around the mid-45 seconds range it is unlikely that one of these will deny Francis.

The other leading contenders are Edino Steele (45.44), Omar Johnson (45.42), Akeem Gauntlett (45.57) and former champion Dane Hyatt (45.70).

TOP THREE

1. Javon Francis

2. Rusheen McDonald

3. Edino Steele