OSAKA, Japan:

HELSINKI TRIPLE jump gold medallist Trecia Smith will not defend her title in tomorrow's final.

Smith, who has competed sparingly this season, did 13.47 metres on her first and only attempt in qualification Group A. She finished 13th in the group and was eliminated. The 2005 gold medallist declined an interview as she made her way through the mixed zone. Greek Hrysopiyi Devetz led all qualifiers with a best of 15.09m.

Long jumper James Beckford, 8.22m, needed all three attempts to get past the automatic qualifying distance of 8.15m and will get his chance to repeat his silver medal of four years ago when he competes in today's final. Also in the final is defending champion Dwight Phillips of the United States who qualified on his first attempt, also with 8.22m.

Maurice Wignall got off on the right foot in the men's hurdles clocking a season-best 13.47 in heat two of the 110m event. Wignall placed third behind world record holder Xiang Liu of China who won in 13.36. The round's fastest time was returned by another Chinese athlete, Dongpeng Shi, who captured heat five in 13.22. Defending champion Ladji Doucoure of France also advanced along with Cuba's Dayron Robles, the Pan American Games gold medallist.

- E.T.