RAYMOND GRAHAM, STAR Writer

Since the likes of Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Delloreen Ennis-London, Lacena Golding-Clarke and Vonette Dixon have stopped representing the country , the standard of Jamaica's females in the 100 metres hurdles has dropped significantly.

Come next weekend, someone will be hoping to step up to the plate as a prelude to making a big impact on the world stage this year.

When the athletes line up for the final of the Women's 100m hurdles at next weekend's National Senior Championships, it should be a very close battle to decide the top three places.

A year ago, former Queen's School athlete, Danielle Williams, who represented the country at the 2013 IAAF World Championships, was favourite to win at the National Championships, but was upstaged by former Immaculate Conception High athlete Monique Morgan .

The no. 2 ranked Jamaican so far this season, with a season's best of 12.84 seconds, Morgan will be hoping to retain her title.

Three other athletes, Shermaine Williams (12.87), Megan Simmonds (12.91) and Kimberly Laing (12.95), who could surprise here, have gone sub-13 seconds and will be hoping for drastic improvement and a top- three finish.

Others who will be hoping for good efforts are Samantha Elliot, Daeshon Gordon, and Samantha Scarlett, who are all coming off busy collegiate schedules, despite this event not being one in which Jamaican athletes have been showing much quality.

However, Danielle Williams is given the edge to win her second title in three years

TOP Three

1. Danielle Williams

2. Monique Morgan

3. Shermaine Williams