In a dazzling display of speed and elite quality triple-Olympic champion Gabby Thomas of the United States stormed to victory in the 200m and picked up a valuable 12 points as the Grand Slam Track Series got off to an electrifying start at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.

Before an underwhelming turnout with only a few thousand fans inside the stadium, Thomas exploded from the blocks and took command midway the curve. The Olympic 200m gold medallist shot into the straight several metres clear of the chasing pack. She held the lead to finish in a fast 22.62 into a headwind of 0.2m/s

In Thomas’ wake, Salwa Eid Naser and Dina Asher-Smith battled fiercely for the minor placings but a fast-finishing Marileidy Paulino surged late to snatch second place in 22.93, a season’s best. Asher-Smith held on for third in 22.96 from Naser who was a close fourth in 22.99.

In the men’s long sprint, Chris Bailey ran a world-leading 44.34 to win the 400m in a keenly contested event. Bailey, the World Indoor 400-metre champion took the lead early and came into the home straight with a slight lead, the chasing pack breathing down his neck.

Exhibiting greater sharpness, Bailey held on to record a world-leading time.

Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith was the best of the rest closing fast to finish in second place in 44.65. Veteran quarter-miler Vernon Norwood was close behind in 44.70.