Easy win for Wariner in Japan GP

OSAKA, Japan, May 9, 2009 (AFP) - American world champion Jeremy Wariner coasted to an easy victory in the men's 400m at the Japan Grand Prix on Saturday, the fourth leg of the 14-round IAAF Grand Prix series.

The American, who had to be satisfied with the silver medal in the Beijing Olympics last year, clocked 44.69 seconds to beat Yuzo Kanemaru of Japan into second and Sean Wroe of Australia into third."I ran a good race today, got a good time. I think it's number two in the world, so I'm happy with the way I ran," said Wariner.

Japan's Naoki Tsukahara won the men's 100m, while Sally McLellan emerged victorious in the women's 100m with a time of 11.46 to beat Japanese rivals Chisato Fukushima and Momoko Takahashi. Tsukahara marked a personal best of 10.13, beating Rodney Martin of the United States and Brian Dzingai of Zimbabwe.

"I was able to concentrate on the race very well, I was able to run without hesitation. I thought it was not easy to win but I ran my ideal race," said Tsukahara.

Martin saved some face by winning the 200m in 20.30.

Other world champions Kerron Clement of the United States and Donald Thomas of Bahamas duly won the 400m hurdles and the high jump with 48.60s and 2.28m respectively, while Olympic silver medallist David Payne withdrew from the competition.

Other winners included Lachlan Renshaw of Australia in the 800m, Shamar Sands of Bahamas in the 110m hurdles, Daichi Sawano of Japan in the pole vault, American Miguel Pate in the long jump and Yukifumi Murakami in the javelin.