Jackson hard pressed to repeat 200m success

Defending champion Shericka Jackson will be looking to spoil the party for St Lucia's Julien Alfred and the United States' (US) Melissa Jefferson-Wooden when the women's 200 metres takes centre stage in Tokyo.

Jackson, the second fastest woman ever over the half-lap with 21.41 seconds, is chasing a historic hat-trick after wins in Eugene and Budapest. But this time she faces her toughest challenge yet against two of the hottest names in sprinting.

Jamaica will also have fresh faces on the track with the vastly improved Ashanti Moore, who has clocked a personal best 22.31, and Gabrielle Matthews, 22.59, both making their World Championships debut.

Alfred, the Olympic silver medallist, leads the world with a sizzling 21.71. Jefferson is right on her heels at 21.84, while Jackson's best this season is 22.17, done last month in Poland where she won at the Silesia Diamond League.

With the 100 metres scheduled before the 200, both Alfred and Jefferson could come in chasing a double, which would give them even more firepower on the half-lap.

Jackson, who missed the Paris Olympics through injury, is still working her way back to top form. Yet, her sharp run in Poland showed she is improving fast, and with her class and experience, she could throw a wrench into the plan of the favourites.

Like in the 100m, Alfred and Jefferson are heavily favoured to fight for gold, but the battle for bronze is wide open. Jackson, Brittany Brown of the US (22.13), Nigeria's Favour Ofili (22.00), and Britain's Dina Asher-Smith and Amy Hunt (22.14) are all in the mix. If Jackson doubles in the 100m, however, fatigue could affect her podium chances.

What happens in the 100m could shape the 200m. For now, Jefferson-Wooden holds the slightest of edges, but in a race this loaded, no medal is guaranteed.

One thing is certain - fans are in for a thriller.

TOP THREE:

1. Melissa Jefferson Wooden

2. Julien Alfred

3. Brittany Brown