Above: the 100m heats in London (Photo: London 2012)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

It was a strong start for the Caribbean Saturday as the region’s top sprinters, from Kirani James to Usain Bolt, all moved on to the semi-finals on the men’s side.

Usain Bolt won his heat in 10.09 in the 100m. Asafa Powell and Yohan Blake also finished first in their heats.

Blake’s 10-seconds-flat time led the Jamaicans.

American Ryan Bailey posted the best opening time with a 9.88.

The semifinals of the 100m take place Sunday, with the final Sunday evening.

It was a strong showing for Grenadian star Kirani James, who posted a 45.23 to win his heat in the 400m. The Bahamas’ Demetrius Pinder also won his heat.

The 400m semifinals begin Sunday, with the final on Monday as James looks to bring Grenada gold.

His teammate Rondell Bartholomew did not compete because of a recent injury.