Omar, Dillay good in Day 1 of Grand Prix

Sprinter Tyrone Omar and Dexter Dillay punched in respectable performances in Day 1 of the three-day Oceania Grand Prix at Xavier College in Ba, Fiji on Saturday.

Competing in a field of 30 runners, Omar was able to sprint his way to victory in his heat and place an impressive 10th overall with a time of 11.66 seconds.

Although his performance clocked in a bit slower than his National record in the event, the 19-year-old had to face strong winds during his heat, which affected the performances of all competitors.

Also, Omar’s performance was good enough to beat 6th Micronesian Games gold medalist Jack Howard of the Federated States of Micronesia, who clocked in at 11.75 seconds. The two ran in the same heat, with Howard placing second. Howard finished 13th overall.

Taking first place in the first day of competition was Moses Kamut of Vanuatu with a time of 11.09 seconds, while Francis Manioru of the Solomon Islands placed second in 11.39 seconds. Wind during their heat was not as strong as Omar’s heat.

Wally Kirija of Papua New Guinea tied Manioru for second with 11.39 seconds, but was given third place after wind conditions during his heat were not as strong.

Fourth place went to Chris Walasi of the Solomon Islands in 11.40 seconds, while Matavesi Telawa and Jemesa Niulevu of Fiji followed with times of 11.44 and 11.48 seconds.

Other runners finishing in the Top 10 were Fabian Niulai of Papua New Guinea (11.55), Iliesa Namosimalua of Fiji (11.57), and J.J. Capelle of Nauru (11.64).

For his part, Dillay competed in the long jump event and placed a decent seventh out of 10 competitors.

The Capital Hill resident recorded his best jump at a distance of 5.80 meters, which tied him with sixth place finisher Jack Iroga of the Solomon Islands.

Fiji swept the Top 3 places with first place going to Lorima Vunisa of Fiji with a distance of 6.02 meters. Filimoni Ratusaki and Kolinio Qarau posted jumps of 5.95 meters and 5.94 meters for second and third.

The first day of competition featured action in the men’s and women’s 60 meter sprint, 100m sprint, 200m sprint, 400m sprint, long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, and javelin throw. The day also featured action in the women’s shot put wheelchair open and discus wheelchair open, as well as the mix 3,000m run and mix 4X100m relay.

Athletes will have another competition today at the Lawaqa Fiji Sports Council Grounds in Sigatoka, Fiji. The second race was originally planned to be held at the Post Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva, but was moved due to ongoing conflicts between the Fiji government and the country’s military.

The competitors will then head to Apia, Samoa for the third and final leg of the Series, which will be held in conjunction with the 2006 Oceania Under 18/Open Championships.