Sanya Richards of the United States blasted through the finish line first in the first round of the Women's 400m in 50.54 seconds on August 16 at the National Stadium.

Shericka Williams of Jamaica came in second with 50.57 seconds and Russia's Tatiana Firova followed at 50.59 seconds.

Italy's Libania Grenot Martinez trailed in the fourth place with 50.87 seconds. African champion Amantle Montsho of Botswana, whose best time is 49.83 seconds, finished fifth in 50.91 seconds.

The Women's 400m semifinal will be held at 9:00 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8) on August 17 at the National Stadium.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2008)